David M. McCahon

David M. McCahon, age 84, of Chagrin Falls, took his last breath on Monday, March 27, holding his daughter’s hand. His sense of humor stayed strong, even as his physical and mental health declined slowly over the last few years. He is survived by his daughter Mary, his son, Kristopher (Magaly), his sister Mary McCahon Fisher and his grandsons David Paul McCahon Linares and Jackson Shaffer. He was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl P. McCahon (nee Diab). Dave taught advanced high school math and coached state-winning golf teams at Hawken School in Gates Mills for 31 years. He was a no shenanigan-taking strict coach, teacher, and Dad. The rules were always the rules. He followed them ethically and fairly and expected (without exception) the same from his family and students. He nurtured his sense of kindness and fairness as a member of the first group of Peace Corps volunteers, stationed in Ethiopia. Beforehand, he served in the Army Reserve after graduating from Virginia Tech. As newlyweds, Dave and Cheryl lived on the island of Truk in Micronesia where he taught English. Upon their return, he pursued graduate studies in International Education at the University of Pittsburgh while she worked as a nurse. Dave loved the outdoors and took many solo hikes over the years, volunteering often to help maintain the natural beauty of the woods on the Buckeye Trail in Ohio, and his ultimate favorite the Appalachian Trail. He loved going to Playhouse Square with his wife and daughter and his love for Cleveland State Viking basketball, born of Cheryl’s connection there, persisted long after she passed. He joked and laughed often. The most important lessons he taught were a strong work ethic and social and financial responsibility. His students, golfers, colleagues, and family all knew he expected hard, honest work and he’d take nothing less.
His celebration of life will be at Steinbauer Funeral Home, 33375 Bainbridge Road, Solon from 2-6PM Sunday April 2, 2023. Dave requested any donations go to the Appalachian Trail, Buckeye Trail, or Cleveland State basketball program. Feel free to bring them to the service and the family will handle distribution.