Leon J. Turulski, Sr., aka “The Legend” and “PopPop” age 78, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully from this life on April 19, 2022. He was born in Wilmington, DE on December 10, 1943 to the late Edward James Turulski, Sr. and Mary Theresa (Rydlewski) Turulski.

Leon is survived be his companion of 16 years, Sandi Manfredi; two children: Terry Stoudt (Kevin) and Stephanie Bryant (Chris); four grandchildren: Jill, Amanda, Molly and Lindsey; five great-grandchildren: Rachel, Tyler, Benny, Nora and Luke; and two siblings: Mark Turulski, Sr. and Lori Wyatt. In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his wife, Trudy Turulski; son, Leon Turulski, Jr.; and three siblings: Edward Turulski, Jr., Patricia Traynor and Caroline Pijanowski.

Leon proudly served in the United States Army from 1968-1970. He went on to work as a business logistics project manager for various firms until his retirement.

Leon absolutely loved playing the game of golf. Once he was on the first tee box all his thoughts vanished into thin air. You would rarely see Leon on the driving range, he practiced his golf shots on the course.

Leon’s interest in playing golf started 40 years ago at a Par 3 course in Newark, Vince’s. He would go many evenings after work with one or two clubs and hit ball after ball. He instantly fell in love. Leon would eventually join different golf clubs in the tri-state area; his Arizona golf trips were treasured memories, along with Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island.

Leon was club champion and senior club champion at various clubs. The Legend could rattle off golf statistics of the pros, he remembered their key shots, wins and losses, tournaments and courses, and he admired Bobby Jones and Arnold Palmer. For the past 12 years, Deerfield Golf Club became Leon’s home course. Over the span of his golfing career, Leon had 10 Hole-in-One’s; he believed in “shaping” the ball into the shot, easier said than done, and he was a master. His last Ace was recorded at Deerfield in 2016, Hole 11; he and his buddies didn’t see it roll into the hole, the group on Hole 12 saw it!

Leon chaired and volunteered many years in golf charity tournaments for Susan G. Komen and DE Breast Cancer Coalition. He graciously donated to several children’s organizations, volunteered his time and expertise to a high school golf team, and he was a youth bowling coach. Leon was a competitive bowler, switching from right to left hand at any given moment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to a charity of your choice or play a round of golf with friends and enjoy every minute, laughing is mandatory. But please remember, when on the first tee box, hit it down the middle and avoid slow play (per Leon).

A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 am. Immediately following the service, a Celebration of Leon’s Life will be held starting approximately 11:00 am at Deerfield Golf Club, 507 Thompson Station Rd., Newark, DE 19711, golf attire is welcome.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.” – Unknown