Richard W. Turnbull

Richard William Turnbull, Jr. (“Dick”) died in his Brookfield home, at the age of 84, on December 8, 2024 after a remarkable and inspirational 4 year battle with cancer.


Dick was predeceased by two sisters, Faith Plante, and Paula Lally, and his cherished grandson, Adam Faust.


Dick was born on January 15, 1940 in South Orange, New Jersey. His family moved to West Brookfield in 1957, and Dick went on to graduate from North Brookfield High School in 1958. Right out of high school, Dick began what would be an illustrious 41-year career as a tool and die maker at Brookfield Machine in West Brookfield. He garnered respect and loyal friendships at work and finished his career as the company’s Quality Control Inspector, a position in which he excelled. Dick was meticulous and so clever and capable. There was nothing he could not figure out and fix and he always did so in a disarming, humble and compassionate way.


In 1960, a chance meeting on a fun day water skiing on little Alum, led to what was Dick’s miracle, Rita Allard. Four months after meeting and becoming engaged, Dick spent four years as a member of the Army National Guard. Dick and Rita married in June of 1961. Theirs was the gold standard of what marriage is meant to be. Love, support, respect, devotion every minute of every day for 63 years. Theirs is an eternal love.


What Dick enjoyed most in life, above and beyond anything, was being with his dear wife, Rita. He also loved being outside in Nature, helping people and spending precious time with family. Dick was also an avid automotive enthusiast with decades of “gear head’ experience keeping up on all manufacturers, both domestic and foreign. His vehicles were always in pristine condition. If it had an engine, Dick was interested!


After his retirement, Dick moved with his sweet wife Rita to Nanatomqua Mobile Home Park in Brookfield. Dick was a beacon of kindness and service in his roles as Head of Maintenance, Jack of All Trades, and a member of the board of Directors there. Through his various roles, always willing to listen and give helpful advice, Dick gave back to those around him. He was a fixer of all. A street in the park was named “Turnbull Way” in his honor.


Dick and Rita raised a beautiful family of four. He leaves behind his wife, Rita Turnbull of 63 years, a sister, Patricia Rainka of West Brookfield, three daughters, Lori Lussier and her husband Paul Lussier of West Brookfield, Lisa Faust and her husband Dr. James Faust of Charlton, Lynn Fountain and her husband John Fountain of West Brookfield, and his son, Richard Turnbull and his wife Shelley Turnbull of Palmer. From these children came 7 grandchildren: Daniel Lussier, Patricia Knapp, Sarah Frazier, Andrew Fountain, Brian Faust, Adam Faust, Annie Turnbull, and 7 great grandchildren. “Pappy” was welcomed into heaven by his grandson, Adam Faust, whom he lovingly adored.


The world has lost its greatest example of humble expertise, cleverness, kindness, service, compassion, family values and most importantly love in the passing of this outstanding man. Dick led his family with a gentle strength and abiding and constant love and patience. His battle with cancer was one of eternal optimism and gratefulness to all those who cared for him. In fact, his new go to phrase was “Happy Days.” He was and will forever be an inspiration to those who were so blessed to know him.


There will be a Celebration of Life in Dick’s honor at Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield on January 15th, 2025 (Dick’s 85th birthday) at 12 noon. Family and friends of Dick and Rita are invited. Please RSVP by January 5th to Lynn Fountain at 774-200-1668.


In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's memory may be made to Adam's Parachute, 18 Baker Road, Charlton, MA 01507, or to Brookfield Rescue, 4 Summer Street, Brookfield, MA 01506.