Paul Tursi

Paul Dominic Tursi passed away surrounded by his loving family June 12, 2013, after a short but valiant battle with cancer of the lung.

Paul was born May 17, 1931, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Frank and Carmela Tursi. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Darlene Torri, for almost 62 years. They graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950. In 1951, he served his country in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

Paul and his older brother Joseph owned a clothing store together. Tursi’s Park Avenue Shoe & Clothing was an icon on the Southside of Des Moines for nearly 50 years. The brothers endeared themselves to the community with fair business practices and exceptional customer service. He retired in 1993 but continued to manage the property the brothers owned at SW 9th & Park Avenue until the day before he died.

Paul had many hobbies. He loved to read and was a very talented woodworker, building furniture, boats, and two cabins on Holiday Lake. Paul was active in the community, volunteering his time at his church and many other organizations. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, The American Legion, Society of Italian Americans, and Southwest 9th Merchants Association.

Paul is survived by his wife Darlene and their five children; Scott (Pam) Tursi, Susan (Michael) Tewksbury, Paula Housby, Liz (Jeff) Cosner, and Chris (Jessica) Tursi. Paul is also survived by eight grandchildren; Nick and Matt Tursi, Elizabeth, Andrew (Jamie), and Daniel Tewksbury, Mickey and Max Housby, and Hallie Browne; and his great-granddaughter Addison Tewksbury. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Joe.

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 16, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home from 4 – 8 pm, with a Vigil at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, June 17, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 10:00 am. Paul will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The St. Anthony’s Foundation or The Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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