David F. Rahaim, 79, a lifelong resident of Gardner, died at his home on Tuesday, October 26, 2026, after a two year battle with cancer and myasthenia gravis. Born in Gardner on July 29, 1947, he was the son of the late Ernest and Virginia (Hilow) Rahaim.

A proud graduate of Gardner High School Class of 1965, David also earned a BA degree in History at Fitchburg State University and a Master of Arts in History at Assumption College. David taught at Gardner High School for 35 years, retiring in 2004, and continued his love of history by becoming a museum educator at the Higgins Museum and later, at the Concord Museum, where he made history come alive again. David taught passionately and used puns and stories (often having a sidebar with his desk statue of Nefertiti) that students of several decades later still remember.

David is survived by his wife of 49 years, Catherine (Leger), the history teacher next door, with whom he traveled the world visiting the many places that were part of their studies. The other loves of his life were his daughters, Elizabeth (Cookson) and Michelle (Heffner), who both followed in his footsteps, becoming teachers. David is also survived by his sons-in-law, Mark Cookson and Scott Heffner. His grandchildren were gifts that "Giddoo" cherished - Benjamin Heffner, Daniel Heffner, and Ciara Cookson. His family wouldn't be complete without his nephew Brian Leger, his wife Cara, and daughter Sage. David is also survived by his brother, Jack Rahaim of Nashville and his sons, Jason Rahaim of North Carolina and Matthew Rahaim of Minnesota.

David will be deeply missed by his neighbors, close friends, Ed Kozlowski and Phil Learned, and his adoring family.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

Calling Hours will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or through their website at www.stjude.org. Please reference in memory of David F. Rahaim.