Donald Richard Turpel of Weymouth, May 1, 2022, age 87, loving father of Cathy Turpel, Deb Crowley and husband Michael, and Susan McGonigal and husband Kevin; Loving grandfather of Brendan, Christopher, and Ryan Crowley, and Sean, Matt, Colin, and Kevin McGonigal; Also, survived by companion Bette Norris.
Donald graduated Braintree High School in 1952 and joined the Navy at 17 years old to fight in the Korean War.
Donald was appointed to the Weymouth Fire Department in 1964 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1976. He became the Fire Prevention Officer and retired in 1994 after 30 years of dedicated service.
He distinguished himself as Fire Prevention Officer, bringing very strong enforcement of fire and building regulations. He was the first Weymouth Fire Officer to attend the National Fire Academy and received numerous prestigious certifications. These greatly aided his efforts at bringing increased fire safety to the residents of Weymouth.
Donald was best known for his collaborative work with the Building Commissioner and the W.P.D. Licensing Officer. Before Donald embraced the power of these relationships, separation of powers was the norm. Working closely together, they brought a new level of life safety to the community.
Arrangements by the Quealy & Son Funeral Home, Abington. All services will be private per family request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Donald to: Hospice of the South Shore, 30 Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Donald Richard Turpel, please visit our floral store.