Dr. Lewis Turchi devoted his life to the profession of dentistry, earning the trust and respect of generations of patients and their families. He passed away January 31, 2026, at the age of 93, leaving a legacy of skill, compassion and dedication to his community and profession.
A longtime CDA member and active leader in organized dentistry, Turchi served as CDA president in 1992 and held several other leadership roles in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He also served as a trustee for the American Dental Association.
Before beginning his career in dentistry, Turchi served in the United States Navy. He was stationed aboard the USS George Clymer, an attack transport ship active in the Pacific during the Korean War.
Following his honorable discharge, he went on to earn a doctor of dental surgery degree from San Francisco’s College of Physicians and Surgeons (now the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry). In 1962, he opened his dental practice in Rancho Palos Verdes and practiced there for more than six decades.
He is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Dr. Turchi’s name to University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine – Neurology Department General Support Fund.