Obituary of Henry Armand Turenne

Henry Armand Turenne, 71, of Putnam, died Thursday, December 8, 2011 at his home. The beloved husband of Jana (Leverson) Turenne, they were married July 22, 1995 in Thompson. He was born August 13, 1940 in New Haven, CT, son of the late Henry O. and Florence (Lariviere) Turenne. Henry attended St. Mary's School and Putnam High School, after graduation in 1959 he went to the General Motors Institute in Boston, MA, where he studied mechanics for three years and graduated at the top of his class, becoming a Certified Master Mechanic. Hank worked in many garages in the area; he taught mechanics classes at Norwich Tech and Windham Tech. He had a great love for music, especially country, Hank played in a band "The Country Kings" for 34 years, who played in many different places. He always said the 14 years he worked for Danny Rovero at Rovero's Garage, was the best job he ever had. Hank had his own garage on School Street for several years. In 1988 he moved to Wisconsin, where he ran the White Birch Inn Supper Club, which he enjoyed, then in 1992 decided to move back to Putnam, where he started working for Dick Forest Excavating, retiring in 1996, due to failing health. Friends would stop by or call Henry in his last years and ask his opinion on how to fix their vehicles, in which he always seemed to know the answer. Many friends expressed that Hank was the best mechanic ever. He loved his family and friends, enjoyed motorcycle riding, boating and just having a good conversation with friends. Hank will be sadly missed by all including his cat Squeaky. Henry is survived by his wife Jana, two sons Michael of Simpsonville, SC, Gary of Putnam, a sister Irene Loftus of Sand Creek, WI, two grandchildren Brittney Therrien (Jeremy) of Sterling, Bradly Turenne of Lexington, KY, a great grandchild Kaylynn and three special people who came into his life over the last four years Lisa, Shirl and Mindy Parker, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased a brother-in-law Larry Loftus. The Funeral will be at 9:15 AM, Tuesday, December 13, 2011 from the Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence Street, Putnam. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home. To share a memory with his family "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com