David Michael Fordham
August 25, 1956 – February 23, 2026
We are saddened to share that David Michael Fordham from Walpole, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly, just months before his seventieth birthday.
Dave was born on August 25, 1956, in Needham to Fred and Mary Fordham, and grew up in Readville as one of seven children. He and the love of his life, Lynn, started their own family in that same childhood home, raising their daughters, Cori and Michelle, before eventually settling in Walpole.
He spent his career in hospital administration and management at the Deaconess Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. His titles and responsibilities evolved over the years, but his gift for turning colleagues into lifelong friends never wavered.
Outside of work, Dave's interests moved with the seasons of his life — hockey, basketball, softball, tennis, golf, and eventually, commissioner of the family Wordle group. He was a man of steady habits and simple pleasures: vacuuming to his favorite songs, tinkering with the latest technology, hosting Patriots parties, tracking Keno numbers with friends, relaxing on Cape Cod porches, and ending every night on the couch with his arm around Lynn.
For all that he was a guy's guy, Dave threw himself into being a “Girl Dad.” He sat through ballet recitals and cheerleading competitions, built American Girl doll furniture, tutored math at the kitchen table, sang along with musical soundtracks, and coached soccer and basketball alongside his friend Jim Dubois. Then, in his final years, he got to step into the role he was made for: Grandpa. He lived for his grandsons, Jack and Nick — always ready with a popsicle, a book, or a presentation of his favorite music videos.
Dave had a sharp, dry sense of humor and a particular gift for teasing those whom he loved most. He was also the anchor everyone leaned on — the first call when you were in a crisis or the voice to keep you company on a long drive.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn; his daughters, Cori and Michelle (husband Steve); his grandsons, Jack and Nick; his siblings Trisha, Paul, Ginny, and Tom; and a wide circle of extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Marjorie and Bobby.
A celebration of life is being planned for close friends and family. For those wishing to make a contribution in his honor, we recommend supporting the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Alliance or the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.
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