Diane Marie Turchetta

Diane Marie Turchetta of Frederick, MD, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1 at Frederick Hospital. She had a short courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was 63, born on July 22, 1962 in Altoona PA. Diane had an infectious laugh, a big beautiful smile, and a bigger heart. She loved dogs, especially Moses, Lola, and Sophia.

She was proceeded in death by her mother Myra Jean Emerick Turchetta and father Arthur Charles Turchetta. She is survived by her partner of 20 years, Susan Penney. Diane is also survived by her sister Kelle Massimilla and John Massimilla, their three children Kristin Burke (husband Aaron and children Carter and Olivia), Sara Koser (husband Dex and children Nate and Grayson), and Brian Massimilla (wife Paige and children Sutton and Landon). “Aunt DiDi” was adored by her nieces, nephew and their children.

Diane completed her Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration at Penn State University and achieved her Master’s degree in Public Administration at Virginia Tech. Diane was an admired, adored, and loved colleague at the Federal Highway Administration, where she spent 24 years of her 39-year federal career which also included positions at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. She touched so many people in state and local government and the private sector and left an indelible mark on the entire environmental and climate change professions. She won numerous Secretary's Awards & Administrator's Awards and pioneered work on alternative fuels and electric vehicles and infrastructure. Diane was someone who lifted up her coworkers, connected people, and always put the service aspect of her work first.

Diane had many friends throughout her life and is survived by life-long friends Maria “Mia” Stephens and Jayne Thompson. Everyone she met was inspired by her, and a better person for having known her. Her kindness and smile touched so many lives and her laughter will continue to echo in our hearts.

Family and friends can gather at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701, on Saturday October 18, 2025, from 1pm until the start of the memorial service at 2pm. Interment will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s name to the Frederick County Humane Society, 1786 North Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701 or here.