The Methuen and Tewksbury communities are mourning the loss of Dave O’Hearn, a beloved girls’ hockey coach and guidance counselor, who passed away at 48 after battling pancreatic cancer on August 3, 2025.
Dave was a humorous and dedicated person whose inspiring legacy will always be remembered by his family, friends, students, and athletes.
A Methuen Hometown Hero
Born David T. O’Hearn on February 2, 1977, to David and Paula O’Hearn in Methuen, Massachusetts, Dave grew up in a tight-knit community where he first discovered his love for hockey.
A 1995 graduate of Methuen High School, he was a standout athlete, showing sportsmanship and leadership.
As a four-year member of the men’s varsity hockey team, Dave earned numerous accolades, including multiple All-Conference selections and a spot in the Division 1 Final Four during his freshman year.
His tenacity and skill on the ice led him to become the team captain and set a school record for the most games played in men’s hockey.
In 2018, his remarkable contributions were recognized when he was inducted into the Methuen High Athletic Hall of Fame.
After high school, Dave attended Winchendon School (1995-1996), where he continued to shine, helping the men’s hockey team clinch a division title.
He then pursued higher education at Elmira College, earning his undergraduate degree in 2000.
At Elmira, Dave was a key defenseman for the Soaring Eagles, wearing his signature #4 jersey.
His leadership qualities earned him the role of Assistant Captain for two consecutive years, and he played every single game during his four-year collegiate career.
In 2000, he was named an ECAC All-Star, establishing his reputation as a talented and inspiring athlete.
Later, he earned a master’s degree from Cambridge College, further equipping him to make a difference in his community.
After working in the Lawrence Public Schools, he returned to his alma mater, Methuen High, in 2017 as a guidance counselor.
There, he became a pillar of the community, offering academic guidance, emotional support, and stability to countless students.
Colleagues described him as a trusted confidant and an irreplaceable figure in the lives of those he served.
In addition to his work at Methuen High, Dave dedicated over 20 years to St. Ann’s Home, where he served as a Behavior Management Counselor and Nighttime Supervisor.
His commitment to supporting youth during their most challenging times earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and families alike.
Dave’s love for hockey found a new purpose when he joined the coaching staff of the Methuen-Tewksbury Red Rangers girls’ varsity hockey team.
During the 2018-2019 season, as an assistant coach, he helped lead the team to a state championship.
In 2022, he was promoted to head coach, a role he embraced with passion and determination.
Even after his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2024, Dave continued to coach throughout the 2024-2025 season while undergoing treatment, inspiring his players with his resilience and dedication.
In 2025, Dave was honored as the Division 1 MVC/DCL Coach of the Year and the Boston Globe Girls’ Ice Hockey Division 1 Coach of the Year, a testament to his leadership and ability to bring out the best in his players.
Dave Faced Pancreatic Cancer with the Same Strength He Showed in His Hockey Career
Despite the grueling treatments, he remained a continuous presence for his team and his family.
A GoFundMe campaign was established to help cover his medical expenses and provide financial relief for his family, with a goal of raising $55,000.
After his passing, the community rallied again, setting up a second GoFundMe to support funeral costs and provide stability for his three daughters during this heartbreaking time.
Above all, Dave was a loving father to his three daughters, Madelynn, Riley, and Kendall.
His commitment to them was stubborn, even as he juggled multiple jobs and coaching responsibilities.
From early morning soccer games to late-night dance and gymnastics practices, Dave was always there, cheering them on with pride.
His sense of humor, storytelling, and love for video games brought joy to their lives and created memories that will last a lifetime.
The news of Dave’s passing has left the Methuen and Tewksbury communities devastated.
Friends, colleagues, and former teammates have shared heartfelt tributes, showing his kindness, humor, and deep impact.
Lana Njego, a classmate from Elmira College, wrote,
“Dave was one of the good guys, everyone’s friend. He always offered that warm smile and a hello. Through his cancer battle, he was clearly a fighter. His presence will forever be felt on campus and beyond.”
Via Facebook
Martha Reusch Tatro, a colleague at Methuen High, shared,
“Dave was living his best life, the father of three amazing young women, coaching our girls’ hockey team, and working his dream job as a school counselor. Ranger Nation is going to miss you. Gone way too soon.”
Via Facebook
MethuenLife Magazine expressed the community’s collective grief, stating,
Dave is survived by his daughters, his loving partner Rachel Feldman, his mother Paula, his siblings Ryan and Meaghan, and his former wife Rebecca O’Hearn.
He was predeceased by his father, David O’Hearn, and his grandparents, Colette and Wilfred Despres, and Edith O’Hearn.
Dave’s life was evidence of the power of dedication, kindness, and resilience. His ability to light up a room with his humor and inspire those around him with his strength will not be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the PanCan Action Network (pancan.org) in Dave’s memory, supporting pancreatic cancer research and awareness.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen.
A funeral service will take place the following morning, Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
Dave O’Hearn’s legacy will live on through his daughters, his players, his students, and the countless lives he touched.
As the Methuen-Tewksbury community mourns his loss, they also celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and an enduring passion for making a difference.
