David Ceccarelli ~ March 20, 1948 – January 9, 2026
Dave Ceccarelli, 77, of South Yarmouth, Webster and Southbridge, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 9, 2026.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Smith and grandchildren, Kendall and Brady of Brewster; his brother in-law, Jeff Wayman of East Templeton; his sister in-law Monica Coakley of Charlton and several nieces and nephews that he loved as his own.
He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Kate Ceccarelli in November; his parents, Arthur and Jeanne (LeBlanc) Ceccarelli; his sister, Louise Flaherty and her son, Sean; his brothers Paul and Dennis Ceccarelli; his brother-in-law, Van Constantine and his sister-in-law, Pam Pingeton.
Dave was a graduate of Southbridge High School where he was known as “the bull” on the football field. He then served his country as Sargent in the Army as a Green Beret Ranger during the Vietnam War. Upon his return home he played semi-pro football for a short time as well as began his long career in the steel industry. From machinist to project manager to owner of his own company, many of Dave’s projects stand tall along the Boston skyline. An avid long-time Patriots fan, Dave was so proud to be part of building Gillette Stadium and if asked, he could and would talk your ear off about it.
Dave and his wife, Kate, moved to the Cape in their retirement years to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. Dave worked as a handyman but spent much of his time with his grandchildren often picking them up from school to take them to Dunkin Donuts for what he called “life chats”. Dave was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back if it would help you out. He was a mentor and “second father” to all of his nieces and nephews. Dave loved three things in life: football, his dogs and most importantly, his family. He will be remembered for his kind heart, compassionate nature and his easy ability to laugh, especially at himself.
A Celebration of Life, alongside his wife, will be planned for a later date. And in some of Dave’s last words…. “Go Pats!”