Michael Joseph Tursi

Michael Joseph Tursi was born in Queens, New York on February 14, 1971 to Joseph and Suezella Tursi on their first anniversary which was also Valentine’s Day. He was the oldest of three children. When he was in high school, the family moved across the country to San Juan Capistrano, CA. Mike graduated from San Clemente high school and went on to earn a degree in Mass Communication from Point Loma Nazarene College and San Bernardino State University.


Mike was an avid writer, writing short stories throughout his life as well as articles and entertainment reviews. During his time at Cal State San Bernardino he hosted “The Turzman Radio Show” providing humorous commentary on current news in entertainment, and “SportsTalk” where he discussed sports news and called live game play by play.


When Mike liked something, he never went halfway with it. Anyone who knew him even for a short time could tell you he loved pizza, his favorite musician was Billy Joel, and his favorite movie was Jaws. Mike loved all animals, but he had a special place in his heart for Sharks. Marine ecology and conservation, particularly when it came to sharks, were important issues to him.


Mike's comedic personality and unique appearance of wild curly hair (and sometimes exaggerated sideburns) earned him a chance to get parts on various movies and television shows as a character actor, playing roles that would make his family joke,“He ain't acting, that's just Mike.” He also dabbled in screenwriting and copy editing for Hollywood productions.


In his final years, Mike lived in Hawaii before settling in San Diego. In December 2019, Mike was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. Despite treatment it spread aggressively to his liver and lungs. He is survived by his parents; Joseph and Suezella Tursi, siblings; Steven and Rosemarie and their spouses, nephew; Joey, Grandmother; Vieva Jo Deal.