Remembering Stephen Paul Turco

Stephen Paul Turco passed away November 19, 2012 and was later interned in Arlington National Cemetery. Keysnews.com carried Turco’s obituary as follows:

Stephen Paul Turco

A 25-year resident of Key West, Steve Turco died Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. He was born in 1942 in Omaha, Neb., and grew up in Ogallala. Steve graduated from the University of Nebraska, and served in Vietnam as captain with the 1st Cavalry of the Army. He was a decorated combat helicopter pilot.

Following Vietnam, Steve moved to Denver, got married and started a family. He entered the commodity business with Peavy Company. Along with a partner in Denver, Steve opened a Maduff and Sons office, a commodities brokerage, and held a seat on the Chicago exchange.

After moving to Key West in 1987 to be with Holly, the love of his life, he was able to renew his passion for aviation. Entrepreneurial ventures in Key West included owning and operating a helicopter tour service and teaching private flying lessons.

Steve was an avid aviator, holding multiple flight ratings, and most enjoyed his flights to Alaska, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Belize. His aviation highlight was in early 2000, when he obtained approval for and succeeded in landing the first general aviation aircraft in 40 years to fly from Key West to Havana, Cuba. In other notable endeavors, Steve served as a pilot with the Colorado Air National Guard and volunteered his time with the Navy League in Key West.

Steve lived life to its fullest, appreciating every day. He filled his days with fishing, hunting, golfing, woodworking, practical joking, hanging with friends and the occasional antics of pyrotechnics. No bang was ever too big for Steve.

Above all of Steve’s life accomplishments, he was most proud of being a father and grandfather to his daughter and two beautiful grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his wife, Holly S. Merrill; his daughter Jennifer (Kenneth) Seifert, grandson Camden and granddaughter Teagen; sister Karen (Keith) Turco Rogers, her sons Dane and Shawn; brother Michael (Cindy) Turco, their children Whitney, Stephanie, and Joseph; first wife Lynn Marshall, mother of Jennifer; Frank (Robin) Merrill; Kyle (Mike) Converse; Danielle Merrill; and nieces and nephews.