Alfred H. Turshman

Alfred H. Turshman, 81, of German, NY, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2015, at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Johnson City, NY.  His death resulted from having been lost in the area surrounding his farm.  Numerous rescuers and searchers, including family, firemen, Civil Air Patrol, and several State agencies were involved in the eight-day search.

Alfred was born in Metuchen, NJ on May 3, 1934, a son of the late Kurt and Elizabeth Turshman.  His parents were immigrants from Germany, and his first language was German.  Alfred developed a love of farming by working the numerous farms that surrounded his Jersey home.  In 1952, his parents moved to German, NY, where the family farm was established and flourished for many years.  It was also there that he met his future wife of 60 years, Lura Bush, whom he adored and married on June 15, 1954.  Lura predeceased him this past October.

His body reached the point where he could no longer handle the rigors of farming and he turned to his other passion of truck driving.  He opened a gravel bed and trucked gravel and other products throughout the central southern tier.  Eventually, he retired and returned to his parent’s farm in German.

Having lunch and breakfast at the local diners became his routine in retirement.  Especially, Simple Pleasures in Cincinnatus where he could be most often found.  Until his death, he would be found sitting at a table having a pancake or something the ladies prepared for him, waiting for someone he could talk with.  He became a fixture in the village and everyone seemed to know him.

Upon his disappearance, innumerable volunteers came forward to assist in the search and offer support to his family and the searchers.  Thousands of dollars in donations came forth in his name.

Alfred is survived by his sons and their wives, Alfred (Jane), Jr., Geno (Carol Campbell) and Robert (Carol Westfall).  He also leaves behind two brothers, Carl (Gabrielle) of Fayetteville and Eric of Huntington Beach, CA; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Sisters-in-law, Marlene Millward and Patricia Johnston, were also loved members of his extended family.

Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY on Thursday, August 27, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Palmer Neumeister officiating.  Burial will be in Westview Cemetery in the Town of German.  The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the Cincinnatus Fire Department, c/o Robin Neal – Treasurer,  P.O. Box 427, Cincinnatus, NY 13040 or Cincinnatus Emergency Squad, c/o Elaine Oros, 5771 McFarlane Rd., Cincinnatus, NY 13040.  

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all of the agencies and community members who volunteered countless hours in the search for Alfred.  Your generosity and unselfish willingness to go above and beyond will always be remembered.