David Edwards Guthro

David Edwards Guthro, Esq. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on October 20, 2025. He lived a full and happy life for 86 years. Dave was the beloved son of Paul and Mary Patricia “Pat” Guthro, cherished husband of Jane Eden Guthro, Esq., loving father of Marybeth Guthro Madigan and her husband Jimmy of Sudbury, MA, David Guthro, Jr. and his wife Stephanie of Arcadia, CA, and Derek Guthro of Framingham, MA. He was a devoted “Gramps” to Squirt and Little Guy, aka Nathaniel and Owen Madigan, Samantha Guthro, and his namesake Dave the dog. Dave was the oldest of six siblings with whom he shared wonderful relationships: Paula Ahern and the late Donald “DJ” Ahern (his best friend), the late Jay Guthro and his wife Shirley, Kathy Comeau and her husband Charlie, Debbie McKeon and the late Jeff McKeon, and his “baby brother” Paul Guthro (25 years his junior!) and his wife Lisa. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family and countless friends.

Dave’s life was one of commitment to his family, his Catholic faith, his friends, clients, community and country. He was born in Boston on December 8, 1938, and attended Boston English High School before graduating from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia in 1960. He played basketball in high school and college and had a short stint playing semi-pro basketball in Canada. His love of basketball never left him, and he continued to play in leagues throughout his adult life. He enjoyed cheering on his beloved Celtics, with Johnny Most’s commentary, for many years.

He enlisted in the Army as an officer in the early 1960’s and proudly served our country. He later attended Suffolk Law School’s evening program, while supporting and raising his young family, not surprisingly graduating at the top of his class.

Dave raised his family in Melrose where he practiced law for 45 years. Dave’s reputation as an honest, caring man translated seamlessly from his personal to his professional life. He was a member of the Melrose School Committee during the busing crisis and was proud to have been instrumental in initiating the METCO program there, which continues to this day. Dave also made a run for Mayor of Melrose. He would joke that although he lost, he enjoyed the process and was so appreciative of the support of so many members of his community.

Dave was extremely proud of his children. He celebrated all of their accomplishments, big or small. His daughter Marybeth followed in his footsteps and became an attorney. He was thrilled to practice law with her for several years at Guthro Law Office in Melrose.

Marybeth introduced Dave to the love of his life, Jane, in November of 1997. Nine days later he proposed, and they were married in November of 1998. Dave was so generous in his love for Jane, always encouraging her in her career. Their marriage was full of love and laughter, whether they were travelling together, or just holding hands sitting on their deck in Maine or their backyard in Florida. Jane’s devotion to Dave was unparalleled and his love for her was endless.

Dave’s grandchildren were the lights of his life, and their bond is unbreakable. He attended all of Nathaniel’s and Owen’s school and athletic events and proudly celebrated all of their achievements. He also happily followed Samantha’s accomplishments in California. Dave loved carpooling for the boys after crew practice, never forgetting to bring snacks and share stories with his precious cargo. He was known as “Gramps” to countless friends of Nathaniel and Owen, and even coached their community basketball teams for several years (Go Spartans!). A cherished tradition he shared with his children and then carried on with his grandsons, was finding the best diners for breakfast. Their most treasured memories involved spending time in Maine together: fishing, going for walks with their dogs and playing games. Dave also was thrilled to travel the world with his family, and memories of their trips with him and Nana are priceless.

Dave was a lifelong dog lover. His beloved Rottweiler “Crow” led him into the world of dog shows. In addition to stealing his heart, Crow was the top winning Rottweiler in the country in 1997, winning nine dog shows and winning Best of Breed at Westminster two years in a row. Crow’s daughter CJ and her best friend Rocky the Corgi were his last companions, bringing him great joy and love. He also loved tending to his bird feeders with the help of his grandsons. Dave’s love of all things nature-related was reflected in his passionate consumption of Animal Planet, National Geographic and Discovery TV shows.

Dave was so proud of the log cabin he built in Maine in 1990, shaving the bark off many trees used to build his home. His motto there was “the more the merrier”, and he happily hosted his family and friends for years. He proposed to Jane on the beach on Sebago Lake. They made many happy memories there with Marybeth, Jimmy and the boys, along with many lifelong friends, both new and old. For the past twenty-seven years Dave and Jane spent their weekends at their home on Sabattus Lake. The boys loved to spend countless summer weekends there. Neighborhood dinners at the house on Saturday nights were full of friendship and laughter.

Dave and Jane followed their friends from Maine to Boynton Beach, Florida in 1995. After his retirement, Dave spent his winters there, escaping from the cold New England winters. His sister Paula joined him there for the last few years. Paula took wonderful care of him and they had many good times together. His many friends there also loved to spend time with Dave. He and Jane loved taking Nathaniel and Owen there when they were younger, and spent countless hours exploring the area’s nature spots with them.

Dave was considered a “lawyer’s lawyer” and was a skilled trial attorney concentrating on criminal law in his early years and then broadening to a more general practice. Dave was a gentleman both in and out of the courtroom. He was universally respected by his clients, other attorneys, and judges. He was the recipient of the Mass Academy of Trial Attorneys James Garretson Advocacy Award, the Paul P. Carradonna Award for Distinguished Service to the Profession from the First District Eastern Middlesex Bar Association, and the Workers’ Compensation Jake Award (his favorite one). He was an impeccable dresser, very handsome and distinguished. One of his colleagues dubbed him “The Hollywood Lawyer” which he loved!

Everyone who knew Dave would be the recipient of his kind, warm nature and friendly smile. He was loving and generous and always willing to help those in need. His calming manner was a great source of comfort for his family during difficult times, but he was also gregarious and loved being someone who drew people together for a good laugh or a great scare. Despite his years of chronic back pain, he always found the humor in life. He maintained his gentle, optimistic disposition and sharp wit to the end of his life.

He will be remembered with love by all who were lucky enough to know him and who witnessed his joyful laughter, never ending kindness and devotion to his family.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Care Compassion Hospice for the angels who surrounded Dave during the last year and most importantly at the end of his life. The excellent care and kindness that Morgan and Emily showed to Dave, and to us, will never be forgotten. The family also wants to thank Home Helpers for their wonderful daily care of Dave, especially Batool and Wafaa, who treated Dave with such dignity and respect that they became part of our family.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Sunday October 26 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm in the Duckett Funeral Home, 656 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. George’s Church, 74 School Street, Saxonville, MA 01701 at 10 AM on Monday October 27. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Donations in Dave’s name may be made to St. Jude’s, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of your choice.