Duane Carlton Turoczi, 70, of Newtown, died suddenly January 24 in his home where he resided with his wife of nearly 50 years, Carol. He was born in Danbury, July 10, 1943. 

His sons Chad, and wife Carolyn, of Newtown and Kyle, and wife Lisa, of Woodbury; his precious granddaughters Sarah, Heather, Cydney, and Chloe; brother Kevin; his mother-in-law Lucille Penna of Florida; his brother-in-law Larry Penna, and wife Erika, of New Fairfield; sister-in-law Kathie Penna of Kennebunk, Maine; and many other relatives and a host of wonderful friends survive Mr Turoczi. A brother-in-law, Kenny Penna, predeceased Mr Turoczi.

Mr Turoczi had a stellar career starting at Perkin-Elmer and retired from Goodrich after 43 years. He was proud to be involved in the Hexagon Project from 1966 to 1983 as a quality engineer, the Hubble Program as a senior quality engineer, and as a manager in the Star Sensors Program Quality Directorate. During his career he received many awards for his outstanding contributions.

He cherished the times he spent with “his girls,” teaching them to fish, ride their bikes, picking them up from school, and taking them to the playground, and swimming with them in the pool. He was so proud of each of them and could not get enough hugs and kisses.

Since 2005, the Turoczis have spent winters at their place in Palm Harbor, Fla., where they enjoyed the sun and beach and hanging out with their “snowbird” friends.

As Mr Turoczi wished, his body will be cremated and in mid-March his family will host a celebration of his life, for the many lives his touched during his time on this earth. He will be missed each and every day by those who knew him. He is remembered as a fine and accomplished gentleman. “Now you can breathe easy, Dear, and rest in peace. You made your family so proud.”

In lieu of flowers, memoiral donations are requested to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org, American Lung Association at www.lung.org, or the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.

Honan Funeral Home, Newtown, is serving the family.