Edward William Turncliff

Edward William Turncliff, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on August 8, 2025, at age 83. Born on July 4, 1942, in New York, Ed dedicated his life to his family and career, making a significant impact in both areas. After serving in the military, Ed attended Fairleigh Dickenson University, where he earned a degree in business administration. He began his career as a salesperson for ship agencies in New York, such as Maersk and Costa Lines. Ed also managed ships for vessel owners arriving New Orleans, establishing his own company in the early 1980s, focusing on vessel and cargo operations worldwide. He was general manager for Mediterranean Shipping Company in New Orleans from 2000 to 2010. After retiring in 2010, Ed continued shipping extraordinary cargo until his passing. Ed enjoyed traveling with his wife, Debra, exploring national parks, and relaxing on Florida beaches. Family holidays were special as well as co-babysitting his youngest granddaughters, treating them to his favorite snacks of cheese and crackers.

Beyond his family life, Ed had a variety of hobbies and interests that kept him engaged. He loved gardening, cultivating tomatoes, hibiscus, and olive trees. He had a keen interest in cars, golf, and fishing. Ed was also an avid reader who enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, telling stories and jokes, listening to music, and playing the banjo and guitar.

Throughout his life, Ed remained involved in his community, volunteering at Our Lady of the Lake Adoration Chapel from 2011 to 2017 and various traffic functions in the US. He was a member of St. Patrick's in New Orleans and St. Anselm's in Madisonville. 

Ed is survived by his wonderful wife, Debra; his sons, Kris Calkins of Gretna, Louisiana, his children Alexis, Brianna, Mathieu Turncliff of Tallahassee, Florida, Edward R. Turncliff of New Orleans, Louisiana, William Turncliff, his wife Meredith Guzy Turncliff of Mobile, Alabama, their children Rita and Honora, and Ed’s daughter Elizabeth Turncliff of Washington, DC. He is also survived by his sister, Katherine Dungan, along with cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Edward R. Turncliff, and his mother, Catherine Roemer Turncliff.

Mass will be held Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, Saint Joseph Abbey in Saint Benedict, LA, at 2:00 PM. His family and friends will remember him fondly and celebrate the profound impact he had on their lives. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial gift to one of these charities…

St Tammany Hospital – Hospice Donate Online - St. Tammany Health System or one of these charities.

ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Your Gift Could Save a Life | ASPCA

Hogs for the Cause Donate - Hogs for the Cause

Northshore Humane Society Ways to Give | Northshore Humane Society

Plant an Olive Tree https://treolive.com/products/ t Plant an Olive Tree: Celebrate or honor a loved one by planting an olive tree in their name.

Wounded Warrior Project - Donate