Francis "Frank" Turnbull

Francis “Frank” Turnbull, 79, passed away, Friday, January 30, 2026 in Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, Michigan.

Frank was born in November 1946 and was adopted by Harold and Christine (DeLore) Turnbull as an infant, growing up in Mt. Kisco, New York. Frank was always a great musician, playing the guitar and piano by ear. Ever the entertainer he spent his high school years playing with his band in the New York and New Jersey area. The bands’ agent, Phil Spector had a standard first cut 45 RPM record that they hoped would lead to a life of music. Instead Vietnam. Frank entered the Army in 1966, and trained as a RAD TEL OPERATOR, working out of an underground bunker to keep the lines of communication open between all the operations in the area and the US.

Frank returned to New York after the service, working for AT&T Long Line. In 1980 he joined Gelman Sciences in Ann Arbor, MI, manufacturer of microporous membrane filters which launched his new career. He would work for manufacturers and distributors in Sacramento Ca., Chicago Il., Grand Rapid and Traverse City, Michigan. He traveled through the US and Europe to help companies ensure product purity and patient safety in labs and hospitals.

Frank is survived by his partner of 44 years, his wife, JoAnn Hebert Turnbull, his sister Pricilla Coughlin and nephew Christopher and niece Catherine. His Traverse City Family, sister in law Diane Winegrad, nephew, Greg Cannon and his wife Lisa and great niece Grace Cannon.

We will celebrate Frank’s life with music in the summer of 2026, when we will spread his ashes over the view that relaxed his world and always brought a smile. West Bay in Traverse City.

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