Richard Turkel

Mr. Richard Morse "Dick" Turkel, 92, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. A devoted family man, accomplished businessman, and passionate community leader, Dick leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication that touched countless lives.

Born on August 11, 1933, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Frank and Edythe Turkel, Dick’s early years were marked by several moves that eventually brought his family to Tampa. Along the way, he lived in the Bronx and Miami Beach before settling in the city that would become his lifelong home. He attended B.C. Graham Elementary School, Memorial Junior High School, and Jefferson High School. At Jefferson, Dick distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete—earning All-State honors in basketball and setting one of the longest long jump records in the state.
After high school, Dick attended the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business in 1955. A proud Florida Gator, he was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity and served as Student Head of the Intramural Program. He also managed the fraternity’s dining hall—an early sign of his natural leadership and organizational skills. Following graduation, Dick joined the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant through ROTC and was stationed in Mannheim, Germany with the Second Armored Division. There he oversaw the consolidated mess hall serving 3,000 meals daily and was appointed Head of German-American Relations and Athletic Officer. His army basketball team even competed against the German Olympic Team—a testament to his enduring athleticism and competitive spirit.

In 1958, Dick began what would become a remarkable business career when he joined Master Packaging, a division of Atlanta Envelope Company. He managed and directed the company until purchasing it in 1974. Though he sold it in 1978, his deep commitment to his employees led him to repurchase it in 1986 at their urging. Under his leadership, Master Packaging flourished. In 1992, he was honored with both the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award and the State of Florida Small Business Award. That same year, he proudly represented Master Packaging at the National Small Business Awards White House Dinner in Washington, D.C. Dick’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond packaging—he was also part owner of the Sony Consumer Center and played a key role in introducing Atari computer programs into Tampa schools.

His passion for community service was equally profound. He served on the Executive
Committee of the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and was instrumental in creating dog parks throughout Tampa. Recognizing his efforts and vision for public spaces, Mayor Dick Greco appointed him Head of the City of Tampa Dog Park Advisory Committee.
Dick gave generously of his time to causes close to his heart. While his sons, Kenny and Brian, attended Jesuit High School, he served as President of the Jesuit Dads' Club for two years. He also led Bayshore Little League as President and coached Kenny’s team with great pride. A dedicated member of Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Dick served on its Board of Directors and was an active participant in its Men’s Club—receiving the Herbie Lewey Award for outstanding service.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife Sandra Schwartz Turkel; daughter Nancy Turkel Love and her husband Jack Love; sons Kenneth Turkel and his wife Jennifer Weinman Turkel; Brian Turkel and his wife Alison Bisk Turkel; grandchildren Danielle Laskowitz; Jillian Laskowitz Cohen and her husband Matan Cohen; David Turkel; Rebecca Turkel Gernert and her husband Carson Gernert; Jonathan Turkel; Robert Turkel; Erin Turkel; and great-granddaughter Annie Gernert.

He was preceded in death by his sister Suzanne Turkel Sutker; brother, Dr. Robert Arthur
Turkel; and parents Frank and Edythe Turkel.

A man of boundless energy and unwavering commitment to those around him, Richard Morse "Dick" Turkel will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, leadership, and love for family and community. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to his devoted caregivers, Veronika, Maria, Jasmine, and Kristina, and to his physician, Dr. Douglas McFadden, for their compassionate and dedicated care over the years.

A Funeral Service will be held on January 22, 2026, 2:00 PM at Congregation Rodeph Sholom (2713 Bayshore Blvd). A graveside service will be held on January 22, 2026, at Schaarai Zedek Cemetery (3406 N Ola Ave) immediately following services at Rodeph Sholom. A Shiva will be held on January 22, 2026, 7:00 PM at Congregation Rodeph Sholom (2713 Bayshore Blvd).