David Joseph Turnbull

August 11, 1946 - October 24, 2026

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Obituary for David Joseph Turnbull

David Turnbull, of Milton, Massachusetts, passed away on October 24, 2026, at the age of 80. A devoted Catholic, loving family member, and loyal friend, Dave lived a life grounded in faith, family, and enduring relationships.

Dave was a graduate of St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vermont, and pursued graduate studies at Suffolk University. He served in the United States Air Force as an administrator, with assignments in Newport Beach, California, and Amsterdam, Holland. Amsterdam became his favorite place, and the several years he spent there remained a particularly cherished chapter of his life.

Following his military service, he spent much of his career in retail, working as a haberdasher in various shops throughout Cambridge and Boston, where he developed lasting relationships with many of his customers. He was a skilled photographer, avid golfer, and skier, pursuits that brought great enjoyment throughout his life.

Family was especially important to Dave. He shared a close bond with his twin brother, John, his sister-in-law, Debbie of Southbury, CT, and his sister, Betsy Jackson of Hanson, MA, and remembered his late parents, Jack and Ruth Turnbull, and his sister, Anne Phelan, with love. He was a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephew, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Friendship brought great joy to his life, and he held close the many friends he made over the years. He valued their shared loyalty, camaraderie, and the memories of their time together.

Dave was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and to St. Agatha Parish in Milton. His faith provided a strong foundation and connected him to his community.

Dave will be remembered for his devotion to his faith, his love for his family, and friends. His life was enriched by the people he cared about and the places and experiences that shaped him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Family will welcome guests at 10 am in St. Agatha Parish, 432 Adams St., Milton, Saturday, November 28th, followed by a celebration of the Mass at 10:30 AM. Family and friends invited.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in memory to the National Kidney Foundation: National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

Services

28 Nov

Visitation

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
28 Nov

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 AM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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