David C. Gaynor

David Clark Gaynor died peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2024 at his home in Acton, MA. He was 75 years old.
David was born in Park Slope, Brooklyn NY on February 19, 1949. He moved to Boston to fulfill his conscientious objector service during the war in Vietnam. After that service concluded, he earned an MBA in hospital administration from Cornell University, eventually settling in MA where he lived for nearly 50 years, nearly all of which he shared with his wife Bernice Goldman. David met Bernice in 1974, and they married in 1983. Their 42nd anniversary was January 13, 2025.
With an early role as the executive director of the Joseph Smith Health Center, now Charles River Community Health, David began a dedicated career in healthcare administration, culminating with over 20 years as the executive director of the department of Orthopedics at Mass General Brigham until his retirement in 2019.
David was passionate about supporting young health care professionals at the start of their careers, and through his work with Health Career Connection (HCC) beginning in 2000, he holds the record for the most interns hosted at Mass General Brigham and most health careers launched through HCC. In loving memory, our family will continue to support the important work of HCC.
David was equally passionate about supporting the arts. From his children's performances in both theater and music, to the opera, to many seasons at Groton Hill Music Center, he was an indefatigable enthusiast and considered himself to be a "professional audience member".
David's professional accomplishments and pursuits were all in service of his three greatest roles as a father, a husband, and friend. He was a devoted and giving father, a loving and encouraging husband to Bernice, and a trusted and loyal friend, many of whom have also been in his life for multiple decades. David practiced love and caring in his relationships that stood the test of time.
David was a long time member and tireless volunteer at First Church Unitarian in Littleton, MA. He was also a dedicated member of his "other church", Fenway Park, as a citizen of Red Sox Nation, and had a great love of all Boston sports.
Most of all, he loved sharing experiences, like performances, sporting events, long dinners, exploring museums, and traveling with his treasured family and friends. David had an endless curiosity about people and loved to hear their stories. He rarely spoke about himself, but listened well, and embodied a quiet humility.
He will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, kindness, and dependability. He was gentle and intelligent, with a great sense of humor. His generosity of heart and spirit will stay with us forever.
David is survived by his wife Bernice, son Alexander, daughter Evelyn and her life partner Scot West. He is also survived by his beloved nieces Stacey Anne Mahoney and Kirsten Mahoney, brother-in-law Gerald Goldman as well as other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
David was predeceased by his parents James and Evelyn Gaynor, his brother James Gaynor Jr. and his sister Barbara Anne Mahoney. David and Barbara Anne had a particularly close relationship, full of the unconditional love that guided David's life.
In lieu of flowers you may wish to donate to Transition House in Cambridge, Loaves and Fishes in Ayer or Groton Hill Music Center in Groton.
There will be a celebration of David's life on Saturday, February 15 at 1pm at
First Church Unitarian
19 Foster Street
Littleton, MA 01460