Deacon Arthur William Turcotte, 86

Deacon Arthur William Turcotte, 86, died peacefully on Aug. 29, after more than a 30-year struggle with multiple sclerosis.

Born on Jan. 25, 1937, at home in Cohoes, he was the son of the late Arthur Thomas and Marguerite Lea (Bouchard) Turcotte. Turcotte graduated from Keveny Memorial Academy, Class of 1955. He was a member of the New York Army National Guard, 27th Armored Division of Cohoes, from 1954-62. As a young man, he worked with his father and late brother, Thomas, at Turcotte Plumbing and Heating in Cohoes, while attending Hudson Valley Community College. He graduated with an associate’s degree in applied science in 1957.

In 1956, he was hired by the New York State Office of General Services, where he worked in various departments, until he retired in 1992 after 35 years of service.

Turcotte married the love of his life, Margaret Henschen, on May 28, 1960, and had three sons. He enjoyed music, playing the piano and accordion, traveling the United States, camping and hunting. Turcotte was a devoted Catholic and an active member of St. Clement’s Church since 1969 when he moved to Saratoga Springs. He was a Eucharistic Minister and enrolled in the diaconate program in 1979.

Turcotte became a deacon for the Albany Diocese in 1982. He served as a deacon in the community by volunteering through hospice, visiting the sick and elderly, praying and giving the sacraments to others. He was also an honorary life member of both the Third Degree and Fourth Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, Saratoga Council, and served as their deacon chaplain. Turcotte was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and community servant who enjoyed spending time with others.

 Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Thomas N. Turcotte and sister, Lucille (Turcotte) Bean.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Margaret “Betsy” (Henschen) Turcotte; three sons: Christopher J. Turcotte, Andrew J. Turcotte and his wife, Molly, and Phillip J. Turcotte and his wife, Shawna; and three grandchildren: Andrew J. Turcotte, Shaylee Turcotte and Emma Turcotte. 

The family wishes to express a special thanks to all the nurses and staff at Glendale Nursing Home for their care and compassion over the last four and a half years.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Clement’s Church on Sept. 8. Memorial donations may be made in Turcotte’s name to St. Clement’s Church or the Community Hospice of Saratoga (www.communityhospice.org/donate).