David L. Pendergast, 75
David L. Pendergast, 75, who divided his time between Boston and Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, and Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, December 12, 2025. He was the beloved and devoted husband of Mary (Bevelock) Pendergast.
Born in Boston, David was the son of the late William and Betty (McCarthy) Pendergast. He was raised in Dedham and Weston, Massachusetts, where he formed friendships that remained central to his life. He was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and earned a Master of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, forming enduring friendships at both institutions that became lifelong bonds. He also earned a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University.
David lived a life devoted to public service and advocacy, particularly in the field of mental health, a calling that reflected both his deep compassion and his belief in the dignity of every person. His career included roles as Director of Aftercare at the Erich Lindemann Mental Health Center and Chief Psychologist of the Inpatient Unit at Medfield State Hospital, as well as Director of Behavioral Health Services for Network Development at Harvard Community Health Plan. He was especially proud of his work as an expert witness in a class action lawsuit brought by the Disability Rights Center of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Following that case, he was appointed by the U.S. Federal Court as Commissioner of Mental Health in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he represented consumers of mental health services and their families and made a lasting and meaningful difference in countless lives.
David possessed an insatiable curiosity and a deep love of learning, paired with a quick wit and a gift for conversation. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people through humor, storytelling, and genuine interest, and his warmth and intellect drew others to him. This same charisma extended to the dance floor, where he delighted in twirling and swirling his partner through each step, confidently leading with style, joy, and unmistakable flair. His interests were wide-ranging, including sports, fitness, music, history, politics, and travel, but above all, he cherished his family and friends.
A devoted New England sports fan, David followed the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and all New England teams with passion, celebrating their triumphs and debating their shortcomings with equal enthusiasm. His own competitive nature was a defining part of his life and found expression through sport and fitness. He played rugby into his 30s, cycled countless miles, took up boxing in his 60s, and relished hard-fought battles on the tennis court, competing in tournaments until his diagnosis. Fitness was integral to his daily routine, including multiple rounds of 100 pushups.
An avid student of history, David held a particular admiration for Winston Churchill, whose leadership and words he often quoted. He delighted in spirited political debate, thoughtful conversation, and sharing ideas late into the night.
While he achieved many professional accomplishments, David's greatest legacy is the extraordinary network of deep and enduring relationships he cultivated throughout his life. He was fiercely loyal to his friends, deeply devoted to his family, and unwaveringly devoted to his wife, Mary, with whom he shared a life of companionship, love, laughter, and mutual respect. He had a profound and lasting impact on all who knew him, especially his nieces and nephews, who adored him.
David is survived by his wife, Mary; his siblings, Peter Pendergast; Beth Pendergast and her husband, Walter Arsenault; Julie Pendergast and her husband, George Vega; and Cindy Pendergast, the wife of his late brother, William. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Patricia Bevelock; his father-in-law, James Bevelock; his sisters-in-law, Tricia and her husband, John O'Reilly; Ginny and her husband, Mike Morhardt; Laurie and her husband, Henry Ho; and his brother-in-law, Greg Bevelock and his wife, AnaMaria; as well as 17 nieces and nephews, 16 great-nieces and nephews, and many loving cousins.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Linda Pendergast, and by his brother, William Pendergast.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the remarkable team of nurses from Nursing Liaisons for their compassion, professionalism, and exceptional care.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 12:00 noon at St. Anthony's Church, 26 Hammond Street, Mattapoisett, followed by burial in St. Anthony's Cemetery. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).
