David McMahon, Born on February 18, 1969, in Norwalk, Connecticut, to Margaret (Peggy) Ochman and James McMahon. David was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, son in law and friend. His kind heart, generosity, critical thinking, curiosity, supportive nature, humor and warmth touched the lives of all who knew him. David’s presence brought laughter, love, and countless great stories, often shared over delicious meals he so deeply enjoyed.

David’s Childhood

David grew up as a wise and caring big brother, the one everyone looked up to. He had this effortless mix of coolness and kindness that made him unforgettable. Whether he was rocking sharp ’80s style or diving into his ’90s underground DJ era, he always stood out. David’s sister Tiffany remembers thinking she had the coolest brother in town. He made everyone laugh, often being the quiet instigator behind his brother’s funny antics. David had that perfect balance: funny, clever, and thoughtful, with a heart that always seemed a step ahead.

David’s brother Jacob remembers him as his best friend, his buddy, the one who always had an idea for their next adventure. Together they created endless memories like placing coins on train tracks, exploring nature, inventing their own adventures and laughing with friends until it hurt.

David’s sister Tiffany described him as “a rebel with a cause,” someone who truly wanted to make life and the world better. She admired how deeply he thought, how open his heart was, and how he always searched for real answers. They shared a love of family, music, food, and laughter, the good things in life that bring people closer. His nephew shared in that admiration too, saying that his uncle’s powerful presence will always be felt, even if he’s no longer physically here.

His father James recollects that David liked musical sounds as a baby. David's first music he responded to was the Beatles. As a child, just standing but not walking, he moved side to side and at the beat of "Come Together" by the Beatles. David was very much into this song. Music was one of his greatest loves. From a young age, David collected records, fascinated by the mix of sound and poetry that filled each song.

As a child David was like his son Aiden. Very interested in nature, science, machines, technology and very willing to ask questions. He was very curious. David and his father James spent a lot of time together face to face talking about things. David and his father continued this close relationship for their entire life.

Throughout David's childhood David was good friends with his Dad. His father never spoke baby talk to him. He treated him as a peer or friend rather than a father and son. They talked about many things. They were together and did things all the time. Their relationship remained the same today as it was as in David’s childhood. Their video call conversations and email interchanges reflected their relationship. David took a strong interest in family history, science, life and all topics.

His father James said: “We never had off limits topics. I could talk to David about anything, any time, and he would take time for me. I have lost a good friend and a son. We were more than friends. We were partners in life.”

David’s Step Mother Kathy remembers David as extremely generous, loving, fun and so amazingly smart. David was always questioning everything, pushing back on norms. He was an amazing son for Kathy and brother to his sister Tiffany and Jacob.

David’s Adult Life

In his twenties, he became a Techno Music DJ, playing techno music in Boston and beyond. He loved feeling the beat, connecting with people through sound, and watching the joy that music could bring. David always loved music! He would take a new album and reorganize the songs in his own order on a cassette tape or dvd. I always thought that was cool. His close friends Andrea and Jeff remember that David was always techy - wanting the latest tech and researching it. He had a car phone way before I even knew it was a thing in the early 90’s. They met David when he was 22 or 23. He loved beer, eating good food and we often met with friends at The Sunset Bar and Grill in Alston for beers. David enjoyed going to Red Sox games and tried going to a few each year. He was into experiences and meeting new people. Always smiling and disliked injustices against people (and groups of people).

David enjoyed many many vacations with his brother Jacob and his mom Margaret/Peggy in Cancun where she went yearly. Dave in his 20’s was an explorer, not necessarily of places, but of experiences. He was never happy with the status quo and if you were lucky enough to be his friend, you could be rest assured that you would experience things you hadn’t even thought of before. Whether he was bringing his friends along to share a new Belgian Wheat beer at the Sunset Bar and Grill, the “Chicken Gra Pow” at the Brown Sugar Thai Restaurant or new techno music in a rundown warehouse at 3:00am in Brooklyn, he was all about the new taste or the new sound. He would delve deeply into those things, like the perfect martini or a new type of music, only to move onto something new once he had found it.

During late 20s and early 30s, David’s family and friends were so proud of the life he had built. He was adventurous, moving to Mexico after meeting his first wife Monica while on a trip that he earned through work accomplishments. Smitten with her he moved down to be with her. Warm weather, tropical beach, good techno, and no more long and cold New England winters. David knew the best way to enjoy warm weather was with a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and a cold, tasty, recently brewed beer. David taught his friends and family about everything and they called him “a walking internet” back then, a smarty-pants in disguise. He had the courage to follow his heart, explore new places, and build something meaningful. After a while David moved back to the United States and lived in Boston with Monica,

Later, in his 40s he built a beautiful life in California, where he found love, a home, and the joy of fatherhood. He met his wife Dina and they became parents to their son Aiden. Fatherhood was a big part of David’s life, he considered it the most important and enjoyable part. He had a very deep connection with Aiden. Fatherhood brought out the very best in him. His son was his pride, his joy, and his constant companion in both laughter and learning. The two shared a bond that was full of curiosity, humor, and love. They could often be found side by side competing in video games, talking about computers and technology or laughing over a shared joke that only they understood.

They both loved playing the outdoors in the mountains together, discovering new things, chopping wood and building things, and soaking in the simple joys of nature. Whether they were deep in conversation about how something worked or just enjoying a quiet moment side by side, there was always an ease and warmth between them.

He was endlessly proud of his son’s bright mind and gentle heart. Their connection was built on respect, laughter, and genuine friendship, a rare and beautiful bond between a father and his boy. Those moments, filled with play, curiosity, and love, will forever live on in the memories of those who saw them together.

David had a special way of making everyone feel loved and included, no matter the distance. He always reached out, reminding family that they were part of something bigger, that they belonged. With kids: his nephews Angelo, Isaac and Mateo and cousins Maggie and Ted, he was the playful grown-up who could match their energy, toss them around in the pool, and make them laugh until their faces glowed.

He carried his mother Peggy's warmth and wisdom in everything he did. His mother passed away when David was in his 40s and it was hard for David. During hard times, he was steady and kind, the one who offered calm guidance when things felt impossible. His love was quiet but powerful, like a warm blanket, comforting, constant, and full of peace, says his aunt Jeanne.

David loved his life in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he built his house, he planted trees in his garden, he put uplights for each redwood tree, he connected with the mountain community and supported it. David loved beautifying his home for his family. At the mountain house, where David lived with his wife Dina and his son Aiden, there are so many memories. Each David’s touch is thoughtful, smart and beautiful. The house and the garden that David built will be treasured and kept by his wife and son Aiden in the future and a legacy to David and his labor of love.

Later in his 50s David started to work for Rivos and was very happy and motivated by the company’s mission and the team. He made many friends at work and was very excited to work on his projects every day. David enjoyed his work days and his time with his family. He loved spending evenings looking at his garden and the mountain trees. He loved watching documentaries about science, music, space and life.

David passed away unexpectedly at the age of 56 due to a sudden heart attack. His passing came as a profound shock to all who loved him, as he was full of life, laughter, and warmth. David’s presence brought comfort and joy to those around him, and his generous heart touched countless lives. David was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and a friend but more than that, he was the heart of his family. His presence will always be missed by all, his wisdom, humor and wit can never be replaced. Though his time with us was far too short, the love, memories, and laughter he shared will remain forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

David McMahon’s Family and Relatives

James K McMahon, Father, Londonderry, NH

Margaret (Peggy) Ann Ochman, Mother (deceased)

Kathryn M McMahon, Step Mother, Londonderry, NH

Jacob I McMahon, Brother, Northborough, MA

Alex McMahon, Sister-in-law, Northborough, MA

Isaac McMahon and Mateo McMahon, Nephews, Northborough, MA

Tiffany J Olson, Sister, Burbank, CA

Angelo Perez, Nephew, Burbank, CA

Dinara McMahon, Wife, Los Gatos, CA

Aiden McMahon, Son, Los Gatos, CA

Naylya Gurdina, Mother-in-law, Daly City, CA

Makhmud Galiullina, Father-in-law, Daly City, CA

Erkin Galiullin, Brother-in-law, Daly City, CA

Jeanne Ochman, Aunt, Key West, FL

Teddy Gragg, Cousin Key West, FL

Maggie Gragg, Cousin, Gainesville, FL

David took a strong interest in ancestry and kept in touch with cousins, aunts, uncles and documented the family history. He found two new cousins for us and traveled to family events.