Paul Alfred Turner passed away unexpectedly on January 13, 2026 in Acton, Mass. He was 68 years old.
Paul was born in Boston on May 1, 1957 to Donald Frank Turner and Joan Pearson Turner. He spent most of his early years in Lexington, graduating from Curry College with a B.A. in Political and Historical Studies in 1981 and receiving a Certificate in Gerontology in 2000 from UMass Boston’s College of Public and Community Service.
Paul worked at the Public Charities Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office and for the Harvard University Purchasing Department before moving to Washington D.C. in 1991, where he worked for Travelers Aid International. He moved to Acton in 1996, serving as a volunteer for Minuteman Senior Services, the Massachusetts Silver Legislature, and the Acton Council on Aging. Paul also provided general office and outreach assistance to various local elder service agencies and received multiple volunteer service awards. He was an outspoken supporter of his preferred candidates for state and federal elected positions, and was a walking encyclopedia of sports trivia and statistics about his favorite Boston teams.
Paul was a tireless advocate for animal rights and gave regularly to numerous animal welfare organizations, including the Humane Society, ASPCA, MSPCA, Defenders of Wildlife, Greyhound Rescue of N.E., Alley Cat Allies, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and Best Friends, a Utah-based animal sanctuary where Paul spent a week as a hands-on volunteer.
In addition to being a good citizen, Paul was a loyal friend and a beloved member of his large extended family, participating joyfully in family gatherings and always willing to extend a helping hand. He will be remembered for his gentle manner and unwavering kindness, generosity and compassion.
Paul was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by his sister, Kate Turner and her husband, Joel D. Barrett, of Rowley, MA; his nephew, Samuel Turner Alen, of Alexandria, VA; his uncle William B. Turner and aunt Mary Ellen Turner, of Bedford, MA; his uncle Charles R. Hoover, of Poulsbo, WA; and 13 dear cousins, each of whom held a special place in Paul’s heart.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to Friends of the Acton Council on Aging, Inc., P.O Box 2006, Acton, MA 01720-6006, or the animal welfare organization of your choice.
