Stephen J. Turner lost his courageous battle with cancer at his home in Melrose on Thursday morning March 1st at the age of 49. Steve was born and brought up in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High Class of 1970, Boston State College and Simmons College with a Masters in Education. Stephen has been a lifelong resident of Melrose and has summered at Long Beach in Rockport for 13yrs. He was a school teacher in Wakefield for 20yrs teaching at the Galvin Middle School & the Greenwood School in Wakefield. He was a very active member of St. Mary's Parish in Melrose serving as an Eucharistic Minister, Confirmation Coordinator, Religious Education Coordinator for 7 - 10th grades, a member of the Marriage Prep Team and a former CYO Director. Stephen was also a member of St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Northshore Irish Assoc. and the Mass. Teacher's Assoc. He was the beloved husband of Diane M. (Foley) Turner. Devoted father of Megan M., Stephen J. Jr., Caitlin A. and Kelly E. Turner all of Melrose. Loving son of Anne (Fortier) Turner of Melrose and the late William J. Turner. Devoted brother of Ruth A. Powers, Donald M. Turner both of Reading, Larry K. Turner of PA, Janie Russell of Melrose, Rick Turner of Roslindale and the late William & Philip Turner. Also survived by 48 nieces and nephews, 19 grand nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Monday March 5th at 10 AM. Funeral mass in St. Mary's Church Herbert St. Melrose at 11 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Sat. 7-9 PM, Sunday 2-4 & 7-9PM. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made in Stephen's memory to the Stephen Turner Memorial Fund in care of Melrose CoOperative Bank 638 Main St. Melrose 02176.