Marshall Turkin
April 1, 1926 - June 15, 2023

MARSHALL W. TURKIN: 97, of Boca Raton, FL passed away on Thursday June 15, 2023, in Delray Beach, FL. Marshall was born in Chicago, IL to Beatrice (Gordon) and Morris Turkin on April 1, 1926. He received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in music and composition from Northwestern University and post graduate training at the Julliard Institute and Columbia University. Marshall was proud to have served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Marshall was passionate about giving concerts with the Turkin Classic Jazz Ensemble at various venues in Boca Raton including the monthly Jazz Nights at Boca Raton Museum of Art, Levis Jewish Community Center and the Mizner Park Amphitheater.  He conceived and hosted the classical chamber music series" Mostly Music" at Lynn University, taught at Florida Atlantic University and was a board member of the International Society for The Performing Arts and the League of American Orchestra, in which he served as Chair of the Major Orchestra division. He also was a music panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts. Marshall was a life-long musician and music administrator. He was the General Manager of the Honolulu Symphony, Executive Director of both Chicago Symphony's Ravinia Festival and Cleveland Orchestra's Blossom Music Center. In addition, he was the Executive Director of the Detroit Symphony and Vice President and General Manager of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Marshall also founded and was President Emeritus of the Boca Raton Symphonia. Marshall was proud to have his own compositions performed by major symphonies as well. Marshall is survived by his sons Dr. Scott Turkin, Bradley Jay Turkin, Troy Turkin, his daughter-in-Law, Nina Turkin, his son-in-Law, Chris Halsey, his grandchildren, Ty Turkin, Tatiana Turkin, Cole Turkin, and his companion Sandra Miller. Marshall was preceded in death by his wife Patricia (Merchant) Turkin and son Jeffrey Brian Turkin. After family his biggest source of personal and professional satisfaction was music. Friends may meet at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 10 AM and then proceed to West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation for 12 Noon Graveside Services. There will be a Celebration of Marshall's Life in Boca Raton, FL held in July. Details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jeffrey Brian Turkin Memorial JFS Endowment Fund administered by the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services of Palm Beach County at www.ralesjfs.org to help young people access mental health treatment. Donations can also be made to The Parc Foundation, a non-profit organization established to assist families with children having mental health challenges at www.parcforkids.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared atwww.babionesouthflorida.com. www.schugar.com 
                                                                                 

Condolences

I want to express my condolences to the family of Marshall Turkin who made significant contributions to the arts!

5o years ago this month, Marshall Turkin hired me as his Administrative Assistant at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra – thereby triggering my launch as an Arts Administrator. Through the years, we maintained contact – during my years with the National Endowment for the Arts, when Marshall periodically served on music panels; during his role at Lynn University, when my family sometimes vacationed nearby; and during the annual birthday celebrations that he maintained with dear friends in Detroit (in person or via telephone and later zoom), through his most recent birthday this past April. Marshall was a father figure in my life, a mentor, and an inspiration spanning decades. He was extraordinarily proud of his sons – Scott, Brad, Troy, and Jeff – and their families. I was delighted to observe his lasting love of Sandra Miller. Their affection and support for each other was remarkable. Thank you, Marshall, for your indelible mark on my life! Rest in peace… Wayne