Larry Leo Turner

Larry Leo Turner, Esq., a devoted father and distinguished attorney, passed away on April 22, 2025, at the age of 65. Born on September 17, 1959 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina to parents Emma Louise Turner and Willie Turner, he is survived by his loving spouse, Cynthia Turner; four children: Hillary Redmond (Charles II), Nicholas Turner, Alexander Turner, and Grace Turner; sister: Tammy Macdonald (John); two grandchildren: Elizabeth and Charlotte Redmond; nephew: Dexter James, as well as many cousins and friends.

The value of education was instilled in Larry at a young age, and so he took immense pride in supporting his children through their educations. He also served his community on the board of directors for multiple educational institutions, including the Williamson College of the Trades, the William Penn Charter School, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, helping open educational opportunities for all.

He enjoyed several athletic pursuits across his life, including football, fencing, martial arts, yoga, and tai chi. He also enjoyed photography, watching college sports, and reading in his leisure time.

Larry dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the field of law, with a distinguished career at both Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP and Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP. A fierce advocate and pragmatic counselor, he handled many complex commercial litigation matters before transitioning to focus on employment counseling and litigation. He handled cases involving noncompete matters, discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination claims. He served as a co-chair of the Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets Taskforce and a co-chair of the Diversity Committee of Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP. He was selected by opposing attorneys to receive the prestigious title of Pennsylvania Super Lawyer numerous times. He retired in 2024, whereupon he devoted further time to supporting his various passions.

In 1989, Larry presented an idea for the Barristers Association of Philadelphia to host a breakfast on the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. An annual tradition that has grown over 35 years, the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Memorial Breakfast hosted almost 750 lawyers, judges, elected officials and members of the Philadelphia community.

Larry will be remembered not only for his immense sense of purpose, but also his unrelenting depth of character. His integrity, humility, and steadfast nature deeply impressed those around him.

Simply put, he was the very best of us.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11AM at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, 8000 St. Martins Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118.