Wilfred J. Turcotte died at Seashore Point in Provincetown on Sept. 12, 2023. He was 82 and had been diagnosed with cancer in July.
The son of Robert and Yolanda (Montefusco) Turcotte, Willie was born on Feb. 22, 1941 in Springfield and grew up there. His father was killed in France in World War II when Willie was two.
After graduating from a technical high school in Springfield in 1959, he worked as an electronics technician for IBM in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He married Susan Ford when he was 21 and she was 19.
During his nearly 20 years with IBM, Willie and Sue had a daughter, Theresa, and a son, Christopher. The family vacationed each summer on Cape Cod and became especially attached to Truro, where they moved in 1978. They bought the Home Port Cottages in North Truro, building a vibrant family and community life there.
“They were both very religious, devoted Catholics,” their granddaughter Katie Silva said, “and Willie was very kind. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone.” He was also employed by the Dept. of Public Works in Truro and worked at the transfer station.
“He had a great sense of humor and liked a good time,” said Katie. “He was big into Truro Treasures weekend.” Willie was one of a small group of transfer station workers who originated the Dump Dance. In 1997, his efforts were commemorated on a T-shirt featuring the transfer station crew.
Willie and Sue sold the cottage colony in the early 2000s and traveled often to Boothbay and Old Orchard, Maine, where Willie would help Sue find places to paint in watercolors and decorate her crafts.
He is survived by his daughter, Theresa Turcotte of Waldoboro, Maine; grandchildren Katie and Michelle Silva, both of Truro; and friends Jackie Perry Mastrianna of Brewster and Jeffrey and Scott Holway of North Truro.
He was predeceased by his son, Christopher “Turk” Turcotte, and by his wife, Susan, who died on May 7, 2023.
The family expressed thanks to the nursing staff at Seashore Point for their support, which was unflagging even in the middle of the night.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Willie’s name may go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org) or Seashore Point Wellness and Rehab Center, Provincetown.
A celebration of life “bash” is being planned.
