Herbert “HP” Pruett Turns, Jr.

Herbert “HP” Pruett Turns, Jr., age 80, of Erie, passed away peacefully at UPMC-Hamot after an extended illness on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

He was born on May 31, 1945, in Anderson, SC, the son of the late Herbert Pruett Turns, Sr. and Elizabeth Robinson Turns. He spent many summers of his childhood in North East, PA where he had made family history and where he made life-long friends.

He was a 1964 graduate of Strong Vincent H.S. Pruett went on to study Psychology at Gannon University. Over the years, he worked for Travelers Ins. Co., Erie Strayer Co., and for many years did dealer trades for Gary Miller.

Pruett was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, a member of the Presque Isle Jaycees, and volunteered with the Erie Blues & Jazz Fest. He was an avid reader, enjoyed boating, and playing games; especially Liars Dice. He especially enjoyed time with friends at the Plymouth Tavern.

He is survived by his daughters; Meghann Turns Seifert (Shaun) and Heather Turns Martorella, both of Erie, his sister, Jane Smith (Ed, deceased) of Fairfax, VA, his nephew, Ted Smith (Amy) of Durham, NC, his niece, Cathy Stevens (Samson) of Chesapeake, VA, his cousin, Alice Sweet (John) of Fort Myers, FL, his cousin Lesley Holman (Michael) of Fort Myers, FL, his life-long best friend, Bill Lowe (Joanne) of Erie, and his beloved grandchildren: Brad Kinnear, Stella Seifert, Lilah Seifert, Madeline Martorella, Nora Martorella, and Evelyn Martorella.

Above all, Pruett cherished his family, particularly during the holidays and Sunday night dinners with his grandchildren, which brought him much joy and laughter. His whit, generosity, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd., Erie, PA 16506 on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 11 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 2 pm. Private interment.