Rev. Alexander Turoczi Jr.

Rev. Alexander Turoczi Jr, 82, suddenly stepped into the presence of His Savior, on Aug 15, 2024, just 8 short months following the loss of his beloved wife of 56 years, Sallie Edwards Turoczi. Undoubtedly, their reunion began with his predictably typical words, “Hi Honey! I’m home!” And followed with a celebration around the throne of the Almighty with the ‘love of his life’ and precious loved ones.

Official cause of his Homegoing on the beautiful Thursday afternoon of August 15th, is due to coronary artery disease. Following a heart attack 27 years ago, he had placement of 2 stents which lasted longer than many thought possible. Yet, still so extremely sudden & shocking for someone so alive & exuberant…as closest friends so aptly called him. He simply sat down in the front yard after a busy day of errands, mowing & cleaning the pool, followed by a swim and closed his eyes. Unofficial cause: a broken heart. He surely and immediately heard the comfortingly sweet words “Welcome Home” from his Heavenly Father whom he faithfully served for 65 years.

Born in Phoenixville, PA on February 25th, 1942 into a completely-Hungarian family, he was the firstborn son of Alexander Turoczi Sr who served in the US Army in WWII, and Jolan “Jennie” Gombos. Alex’s sister Evelyn was born 5 years later. Their father worked for Pottstown Plating Works for 30+ years, and their mother worked at the town knitting mill once the children began elementary school. Their Hungarian grandparents also lived with them and did not speak English. Therefore Alex initially spoke Hungarian while learning English. During these years, he began suffering from a stuttering problem. Then his mother passed away when he was just 14 yrs of age, and his sister was 9 yrs old. His father quickly remarried a very active member of their (Hungarian) church, Marion Vegso. His first life-changing moment took place when he attended Billy Graham’s New York Crusade of 1957 in Madison Square Garden, and accepted the Lord into his life.

The summer before his senior year in high school, Alex began working, while boarding at, Sandy Cove Bible Conference/Retreat Center in North East, MD, and continued there for many summers. He graduated from Phoenixville High School in 1960, the kind of school where he often said, they “won the game, and the fight after.”

That same year, after his second summer at Sandy Cove Ministries, he left for Chicago, IL and began studying Bible/Missions/Theology at Moody Bible Institute. During these years, he spent many hours reading his speeches & verses out loud in front of a mirror which minimized his stutter. He also worked part time for United Airlines at O’Hare International Airport. He graduated from Moody in 1963, and moved to Briarcliff Manor, NY, where he attended The King’s College. And subsequently met his beloved bride, Sallie.

Sallie & Alex were married in 1967 & devoted their lives to full time ministry, based on the 1957 best-selling book ‘Through Gates of Splendor’ which they both had read separately and which inspired each to become full-time missionaries. Written by Elisabeth Elliot, the book explores faith, sacrifice & forgiveness with the true account of the five young missionaries who were savagely killed while trying to establish communication with the Auca Indians of Ecuador…from the viewpoint of one of the widowed wives.

Initially, Alex pastored Brigantine Bible Church, Brigantine, NJ for two years with his bride being the in-house soloist, and her widowed mother being the pianist. The mission organization they joined was Trans World Radio which sent them to Monte Carlo, Monaco (1 of 8 stations worldwide) in order for Alex to work in the Hungarian Department. During this time, they learned French, enjoyed traveling to many countries surrounding France, and learning about Formula One Racing, which closed the streets of Monaco for the last week of May each year. Alex enjoyed photography & was given a press-pass each year, allowing him to be in the Pits to see the action first-hand. Alex also enjoyed playing basketball in an adult basketball league during their 9 years stationed there.

Alex was then asked to fill an immediate need in Guam for 2 years, as the On-Air DJ for the TWR Christian AM radio station, during which time he enjoyed the tropical weather, survived several typhoons, and grew to love the small 30 mile-long & 9 mile-wide island. TWR then sent Alex & his family stateside to Ocean City, NJ in order to represent mission at church conferences/colleges along the east coast. During this time, he returned to school and received his Moody Bible Institute Undergrad Degree in 1980.

After 8 years they moved to Lancaster County PA, and found a comforting home and retreat in their church, Lancaster Alliance Church…which consistently supported them through many years of service and involvement. They loved all those they met there, with whom they shared life.

Alex became Director of Leadership Training Program (2 week)Boy's Camp at Camp Sankanac, Spring City, PA for 22 years…training 15-18 yr old young men who most served as Camp Sankanac counselors after their training. Would also pull double-duty as ‘Missionary of the Week’ for the first week of Boys Camp. He also was Golf Coach at Lancaster Christian School, Lancaster PA, winning many tournaments for several years. He then enjoyed being a part-time Driver at Manheim Auto Auction for many years.

Alex always had a smile, laughed often & sometimes for no reason at all, loved warm weather, perfectly clear days for a round of golf, 50s & 60s music and many Worship songs, singing harmony with his wife, or breaking out in song-loudly, cheering on the Eagles & Phillies, swimming in his backyard pool, enjoying family & friends, especially his Saturday morning Men’s Bible Study (at Lancaster Alliance Church) & breakfast, and preaching/sharing about what the Lord has so miraculously done for all of us….a gift we just need to receive, to spend eternity with Him!

Alex is survived by his beloved sister Evelyn Wrzosek married to Jerome; his children Lori Turoczi, Michael Turoczi married to Denise (Spangler), and his grandchildren Matthew, engaged to Leilani (Henson), Sheridan, Ethan & Ella…all of whom he loved deeply, more than he could express.

Alex’s family will be having a Homegoing Celebration on August 31 at 1PM, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Road, Lancaster PA 17601, to praise the Lord as he would want us to do. We miss you.

For more information, please visit https://everloved.com/life-of/alexander-turoczi-jr/

Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.