Obituary: Lynn C. Turrisi, 59 of Colts Neck

Longtime Dongan Hills resident Lynn C. Turrisi, 59, of Colts Neck, N.J., a former billing clerk remembered for her caring and her sense of humor, died yesterday in Genesis Rehabilitation Center, Manahawkin, N.J.

Born Lynn Metz on Staten Island, she grew up in Dongan Hills. She moved to Rossville about 11 years ago, and relocated to Colts Neck last year.

A graduate of New Dorp High School, she was employed as a billing clerk at New York Container Terminal for about a decade before leaving the Island.

"She had a big heart, was a loyal friend, and her world was her family, without a doubt," said her sister, Laurie Beyar.

"She was very caring, and put everyone else above herself," said her son, James, Jr. "She was a great mother, and never worried about her own well-being."

Mrs. Turrisi possessed an excellent sense of humor, and exploded in a distinctive laugh whenever something struck her as particularly funny, family said.

She enjoyed reading, boating, beaches, ocean swimming, and spending time at the family home on the Jersey Shore.

In recent years, her life revolved around her two grandchildren, Emma, 8, and Matthew, 5.

"She adored them, and loved playing with them and going to the Jersey Shore with them," said her son. "She was always more a friend than their grandmother - she never wanted to discipline them."

While on the Island, Mrs. Turrisi worshiped at St. John's Episcopal Church, Rosebank.

Her husband of 42 years, James, died in 2000.

Surviving, along with her sister, son and two grandchildren, are her parents, Wilbur and Dolores Metz.

The funeral will be Thursday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. John's Church. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

Arrangements under the direction of Casey Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY.

Lynn's obituary and guest book can be found here.