David J. McMenimen passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA, at 84 years of age.   He was born July 27, 1941, in Lowell, MA, son of James “Honey” and Mary “Ruth” (Merrill) McMenimen.  

Dave was raised in Acre section of Lowell and graduated from Keith Academy and the University of Lowell.   He was a retired schoolteacher, previously having a long career in the welding industry.   

He was an avid history enthusiast specifically related to Ireland, Irish American life and Lowell histories. He also loved his New England sports teams and greatly enjoyed horse racing.  He had a passion for travel and cooking and enjoyed supporting local theater in Philadelphia.     

He is proceeded in death by his wife Margaret “Peggy” (Murphy) McMenimen.  He is survived by his life partner, Roberta “Bobbi” Besden; his daughter Mary Beth Perkins and husband Jim of Hudson, NH; son Jim McMenimen and wife Sandy of Lakesite, TN; daughter Colleen Lampron and husband Marc of McDonough, GA, and his sister Elinor Rafferty.

He loved his grandchildren, Emma, Maggie, Meghan and John, enthusiastically supporting them in all their adventures and career paths.    

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at St. Patrick Parish, 282 Suffolk St., Lowell, MA, at 10:00 am.  The post service meal will be at Owen and Ollie’s, Dracut, MA.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Merrimack Repertory Theatre at MRT.org.