David E. St. John

David E. St. John, 88, died on January 16, 2026, after a long and blessed life. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Sally A. (Hehir) St. John; four children: Anne Muirhead and her husband, Donald Muirhead; Mary Knox and her husband, Raymond Knox; Katie Fay and her husband, Andrew Fay; and Tom St. John and his wife, Marj St. John; 9 grandchildren: Caroline, Elizabeth and Jack Muirhead and Caroline's husband, Yahel Nachum; Katie, Emily and Michael Knox, and Emily's husband, Owen Leen; Sarah and David Fay; Trevor St. John; and one great-grandchild, Esther Nachum. He also leaves sisters-in-law, Fran Carrigan and Martha Wally; brother-in-law, Bob Wally; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Charles St. John.

Born in Worcester to Grace and Eugene St. John in 1937, he grew up on Vernon Hill and was a lifelong resident of Worcester, attending St. Peter's High School, St. Anselm College BS, Boston University MA, and Clark University Ed.D.

A devoted educator, David began his career as a high school guidance counselor and professor at the newly opened Quinsigamond Community College. He moved into administrative work, serving the Worcester Public Schools for many years as Director of Pupil Personnel Services and later as Deputy Superintendent, before completing his career as a full-time Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling at Assumption University, where he remained a Professor Emeritus until his final day.

The great joy of his life was his family. He and Sally began their life together after meeting at Hampton Beach during the summer of 1960. Life with their four children revolved around daily family dinners; Sunday visits with grandparents; Mass at the Assumption University chapel; family vacations in a big car that fit six St. Johns and two grandparents; board games; summer evening visits to the bookmobile; attempts at tennis; winter afternoons at the YMCA for family swim time and many other activities. They instilled in their children the value of family; a love of education; and the importance of treating others with respect and kindness.

In retirement, Dave's perfect day started with morning coffee and breakfast on the patio of their Harwich home; followed by time with a good book – preferably historical non-fiction or a good biography; and time gardening before the highlight of the afternoon – 18 holes of golf with Sally at Cranberry Valley. Evenings were enjoyed around the patio firepit, with good conversation, a Manhattan, and the company of Sally and visiting family.

The final months of his life were spent in the care of Oasis at Dodge Park in Worcester. We are deeply grateful to the staff for their expert, compassionate and gentle care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oasis Employee Holiday Fund: Oasis at Dodge Park, 102 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 or to the Harwich Port Library in Harwich, MA.

Calling hours will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21st at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan 22nd at Blessed Sacrament, 555 Pleasant St., Worcester MA. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery in Worcester.