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AUSTINTOWN -- Walter D. “Turk” Terlecky, 94, died peacefully Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.
Born on April 18, 1932, in Youngstown, Turk was a successful property developer, a loving patriarch and a respected community benefactor.
The son of the late John Sr. and Mary Terlecky, Turk was raised on a farm in Vienna, Ohio, the youngest of six children. He moved to Austintown in 1947 and graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1950. After graduation, he served in the Army at Fort Gordon, Georgia, for two years.
On Nov. 26, 1952, Turk married his high school sweetheart, the former Rhea V. Moody. They shared 74 wonderful years of marriage.
Following the Army, Turk began an illustrious career in real estate and property development that would continue for several decades. After first working placing television antennas on top of businesses and homes, he became a real estate broker. His ambition led to building his own enterprises, including West Glen Real Estate Company and Waldon Management Corporation. Turk built several successful properties over the years, including Westchester Apartments, Columbiana Manor Apartments, Niles Executive Apartments, and Newton Village Apartments.
Turk was driven and ambitious but also generous, selfless and loving to his family, friends and community. He donated many resources to Austintown Township, such as the Workers’ Compensation Building, which funded the Austintown Fitness Center, as well as the Westchester Building, which housed the Austintown Senior Center. Per Turk's wishes, the proceeds from the lease of the Westchester Building funded various improvements at Austintown Township Park, including the playground expansion, tennis courts and pickleball courts.
Outside of work, Turk enjoyed golfing, playing cards and traveling to St. Simons Island and Rehoboth Beach with his family. He also loved spending time with his beloved cat Mitzy.
Turk was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Mary; brothers, Michael, second lieutenant; John Jr., and Harold Terlecky; and sisters, Ann Buch and Catherine Burnich.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Rhea; daughter, Terry, and son-in-law, Bart; grandchildren, Maran (Neil) and Conor (Amanda); and four great-grandchildren.
A private funeral service with interment has taken place at Green Haven Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements were by the Lane Funeral Home in Austintown.
(special notice)