Donald A. Turner

Donald A. Turner of Abington, formerly of Avon, Holbrook, and Randolph passed away after living a very rich and full life at the age of 91.  He was pre-deceased by his wife of 44 years Jean (Chisholm).  He leaves behind his children Linda Previti and her husband Mike of Avon, Donald ‘Al’ Turner and partner Brenda Orlowski of Holbrook/Brockton, Susan Nolan and husband Mark of Newport Rhode Island,  and predeceased by Dean Turner of Avon. He also leaves behind his cherished partner Clare Goodell of Brockton – a lifelong friend of Don and Jean who went from dinner partner after both their spouses passed away to an intricate part of his life after his health started to decline.  A wonderful friend, loving caregiver, and chief cook and bottle washer.  Lovingly referred to as ‘Saint Clare’ by the entire family.  He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Leah Nye of Avon, Tony Previti of Plymouth, Ashley Murphy of Dorchester, Courtney Pepgjonaj of Quincy, Sydney Nolan of Dorchester, Taylor Nolan of New York City, his sister Carole Berry and her husband George of Avon, as well as six great grandchildren.

A 1952 graduate of Stetson High School, he and a couple of friends joined the National Guard where he served with distinction for seven years and eventually ending up at the Charlestown Navy Yard where he worked for nearly 39 years on the USS Constitution,  While doing all this and raising a family, he managed to earn a Bachelor Degree to help forward his career.  While serving as the head of the USS Constitution Maintenance and Repair Facility, his job was to get her seaworthy enough to sail under her own power for the 200^th anniversary of the ship’s beginnings on July 21, 1997.  His impressive attention to detail, and exacting standards led to an award that stands today: The Don Turner Award to honor Don Turner for his singular contribution toward the preservation of “Old Ironsides” and the skills that built her, as well as his knowledge of and dedication to the ancient art of shipbuilding.

He loved getting the family together for trips long and short.  No one can forget the Memorial Day weekends to New Hampshire where he reveled in taking the grandchildren for ice cream….the trip to Las Vegas (Jean’s first time in a plane), or the memorable family trip to Disneyworld in an RV completely mapped out in minute detail by the man (before there was Google, there was Don!)

He coached youth hockey for a time, he drove a bus for First Student for 14 years, but most importantly he loved and took care of his family.  He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at the Hurley Funeral Home, 127 So. Franklin St. (Rt. 37), Holbrook on Wednesday, May 27^th at 10am.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.  Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 26^th from 4-7pm.  Interment Central Cemetery, Randolph.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Don’s name to USS Constitution Museum.org