DAVID GAUGHAN

DAVID GAUGHAN 12/27/1940 - 01/08/2026 David "Butch" Gaughan passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 8 at UMass Memorial Medical Center. He was born on December 27, 1940, the son of Melvin and Rita (O'Connell) Gaughan. He was predeceased by his siblings, Bernard Gaughan, Charles Gaughan, and Mary Pat Spear. Butch is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Jo-Ann (McGrail) Gaughan. He was a devoted and proud father to his daughter Lynann, and her husband Peter Van Dyke of Holden, Mass., and to his son David and his wife Carolyn Cichon of Natick, Mass. He was a loving and cherished grandfather to Liaidan Van Dyke, Rose Gaughan, and Mae Gaughan, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his sister Katherine Morin; his sister-in-law Anne Gaughan; his brother-in-law Robert Spear; his brother-in-law Jack McGrail and his wife Terry McGrail; and his sister-in-law Mary Ellen Moore and her husband Michael Moore. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who will miss him dearly. Butch was a 1958 graduate of Clinton High School, where he distinguished himself as a talented athlete, playing both football and baseball. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. After his military service, he built a long and dedicated career in the elevator construction industry, becoming a member of both International Union of Elevator Constructors and Operating Engineers. He spent 36 years working for R.E. Chapman Co., where he was known for his strong work ethic and professionalism. After retiring from R.E. Chapman Co., Butch worked for several years as the facility manager at Family Health Center of Worcester. An avid golfer, Butch was a lifetime member of Wachusett Country Club and a proud member of the Clinton golf league. He was also a member of American Pool Players Association, a lifetime member of Clinton Lodge of Elks, and a member of Greendale Men's Club. Calling hours were held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at thePhilbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St., Clinton, with burial following in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Boston Children's Hospital Trust, Attn: Gift Services, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215, with a brief note stating, please apply this donation to the rheumatology department for clinical care/research. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.