Turkel had been in failing health for several years.
He was perhaps best known for his work in sales at VCA Pictures, where he worked for more than 20 years. After LFP bought VCA in summer 2003, he moved on to Juicy Entertainment before leaving for reasons of health.
"Marty always brought a smile to my face," performer/director Kylie Ireland told XBIZ. Ireland worked with Turkel as VCA's publicist for several years. "He and Ed [Kail, Turkel's fellow salesman at VCA] were always such characters. They were the Waldorf and Statler — remember the guys in the balcony box on "The Muppet Show"? — of VCA. When I was doing publicity for VCA I would go in their office to talk about marketing this or that and end up emerging from their office many hours and many stories later.
"Marty had the biggest heart. He was forever talking about how much he loved and adored his wife and how lucky he was. He was one of the industry’s most dedicated salesmen, he believed in this business and cared about everyone from the warehouse workers to the contract girls. Marty Turkel is a rare individual who will be deeply missed."
Mischa Allen, who succeeded Ireland as VCA publicist, also spoke of Turkel.
“Marty’s impact on this industry was profound and he will not be forgotten," Allen told XBIZ. "On a personal note, he was a great support and friend and I owe much of my success to him.”
Turkel is survived by Lynn, his wife of more than 50 years; his son Larry and daughter Nikki; his brother Allie; his daughter-in-law, Pam, and son-in-law Jack; grandchildren, Bryce, Jackie and J.P.; and his great-grandson, Desmond.
A memorial service will be held at White's Funeral Home at 404 East Foothill Blvd. in Azusa, Calif., on Thursday.
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