Donald F. Copeland, 82, of Boxborough, MA, a retired Captain of the Acton Fire Department, died Thursday October 4, 2018 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy A. (Prescott) Copeland; 2 daughters: Wendy Railton, her husband David and their children Aaron and Taylor of Bermuda, and Cheryl MacDonald, her husband James and their children Brandon and Alex of North Carolina; a brother Robert Copeland and wife Marcia of New Hampshire; and many nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his son, Donald F. Copeland, Jr., and sisters Carolyn O'Brien and Janice Weldon.

Born in Taunton, he was the son of the late George and Louise (Leonard) Copeland, and was a graduate of Taunton High School Class of 1954. He served for 38 years on the Acton Fire Department and was one of the first 7 appointed permanent firefighters in the town. An excellent mechanic, he loved to engineer projects, work on his cars and tractors, and invite family and friends to spend time in "Don's Room" at the house. He will be greatly missed by all.

Visiting hours are Wednesday October 10th from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton. Graveside services will follow at 1:30 P.M. in South Cemetery, Burroughs Road, Boxborough. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial gifts to benefit the Emerson Hospital. Checks may be made payable to the Emerson Health Care Foundation Inc. 133 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Concord, MA 01742, online at https://www.emersonhospital.org/support-emerson