Robert Russell Turgiss

Robert Russell Turgiss of Scituate, MA passed away at home on September 5th after a long, valiant battle with cancer. Robert (“Bob”) showed a great deal of stoicism and fortitude throughout his life, which carried him and his family through his final days. 

Bob is survived by his lifelong love, Susan Turgiss of Scituate, MA, who he first charmed with his boisterous laugh, intelligence, and love for adventure, their daughter Nicole McNally and her husband Dana of Hingham, MA, his sister Beverly Owens and her husband Jonathan of Cavendish, VT, his two grandchildren, Cameron and William McNally who he affectionately referred to as “the cubs”, as well as his brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. He was proud of and devoted to his family and circle of loving friends – forever appreciative of these relationships and always extending a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Those close to Bob might suggest he packed two lives into one. Bob was born in Quincy, MA on July 12, 1946 to Arthur and Bernice Turgiss, and raised in Weymouth where he graduated from high school. With the Vietnam War draft underway, he enrolled as a helicopter pilot with the US Army in 1966. After completing Flight School, he began a year-long tour in Vietnam flying UH-1s and OH-6 “Loaches” for the 1st Infantry  Division’s Search and Scout units – the latter unit being known as one of the most invaluable yet dangerous Vietnam assignments. Bob’s time in Vietnam was followed by a tour in Germany. Upon discharge with special honors including a Bronze Star and several Air Awards, he embarked on what would become a lifelong appreciation of travel by driving his VW Camper Bus through much of Europe. Bob returned home and completed college, finding work as a city planner before going on to obtain a Law Degree from Suffolk University. In 1979, he was accepted to the FBI training program at Quantico, which launched his 24 year career as an agent at the Boston office. Bob loved his time there, especially with the White Collar Crimes unit which complemented his personal interest in financial securities. He retired from the FBI and went on to enjoy a second career assisting Fidelity and other financial institutions with the creation of algorithms to recognize and prevent Securities fraud. When not working, Bob pursued his love of travel, nature walks, history, and read voraciously. Despite a fulfilling career and much personal success, he would tell you that his greatest accomplishment was his family. 

Bob valued integrity, fairness, and preparedness. Whether it was serving our country & government, helping disabled veterans, volunteering, or even just being mindful of the environment, he chose to see the greater good in the world and honor it until the end. His family hopes others are inspired to do the same. 

An open house Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at the Lightkeeper's House, 15 Lighthouse Lane, Cohasset, MA 02025 on September 21 from 4-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Robert's name to the team who supported him through treatments and clinical trials: Mass General Hospital Development Office, Dr. Matthew Smith, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114-1101.

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