Hanover, NH – David A. Harrison, age 56, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, after an 11-month battle with glioblastoma. Despite the devastating diagnosis, he never lost his optimism or good cheer, and spent his final year surrounded by family and friends, enjoying life.
Dave was born in 1969 in Philadelphia to John and Alice Harrison. The youngest of 3 boys, he was known for his sunny disposition and generous soul from the start. Dave attended Chestnut Hill Academy from kindergarten through 12th grade, where he was a strong student, gregarious friend to many and a talented athlete – both a state champion rower and captain of the football team. He went on to Dartmouth College, where he continued to play football and contributed to two Ivy League Championships; however, it was not his accomplishments on the field of which he was most proud, rather it was the 12th Man Award he received senior year in recognition of his hard work and dedication, qualities he embodied throughout his life. Dave was never one to hog the spotlight, instead he was the person supporting others with quiet humility. Graduating Dartmouth in 1992, Dave was an art history major and member of Alpha Delta fraternity and Sphinx senior society.
Not long after graduation, Dave followed his dream and spent 5 years in Steamboat Springs, CO where he skied, hiked, mountain biked and enjoyed all that living in the mountains offered. Later, a job opportunity took him to Charlotte, NC for 3 years where he met his future wife Pat at a friend’s Christmas party. Even though she was on a date with someone else, it didn’t stop him from asking her out, and his persistence led to 25 wonderful years together. He was always drawn to a more rural lifestyle, and in 2002 Dave and Pat made the move to Hanover to be near family and his beloved College on the Hill. Dave worked in construction management as a project manager for Trumbull-Nelson and then with Connecticut River Capital.
In 2006, Sam was born and a special bond was created. Dave loved being a father and threw himself into the job – coaching Hanover rec soccer, teaching Sam to ski, watching Saturday morning Looney Tunes, attending every play, musical and concert and most importantly, being a trusted and supportive ear. He was immensely proud of all that Sam accomplished.
Dave was a generous and committed volunteer supporting both the College and Hanover communities. He could always be depended upon to say yes to whatever needed doing. In particular, he had an incredible impact as the alumni advisor to Sphinx. Over 17 years he mentored hundreds of young men and found joy watching them grow and succeed at Dartmouth and beyond. He also gave much of himself to the Church of Christ at Dartmouth. He was a past President of the Board of Elders, served on the stewardship, finance and personnel committees, taught Our Whole Lives to teenagers and could be counted on as a general Mr. Fixit whenever the lights or heat went out or the basement flooded.
His dedication to Dartmouth Football never waned. No matter the weather or team record, he attended nearly every home game and was usually the loudest voice in the stands cheering on the Big Green. Additional passions were food, music and the outdoors. He was an avid cook, always eager to experiment with new flavors and techniques but famous for his pulled pork, ribs and jambalaya. His musical taste was broad, eclectic and always impeccable, everything from blues to funk, classic rock to alt country, punk rock, jazz and more. He loved seeing live music and would travel long distances to see his favorite artists perform. Dave found great happiness hiking and skiing on mountain trails and by the water on Squam Lake or the coast of Maine.
Dave was a self-described “happy knucklehead” who never took himself too seriously (including growing an enormous COVID beard), and he greeted even the most difficult situations with a giant smile and infectious laugh. He was quite simply a good human being and a reminder to us all to cherish and value what really matters most in life – family, friends, integrity, generosity, compassion and a sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Patricia and daughter Sam; his parents John and Alice Harrison; brothers Phil (Kate) and John (Leah) Harrison; sister-in-law Eva (Brian) Barnes; nieces and nephews Charlie, Gray, Caroline, Teddy and Sophie Harrison and Charlotte Barnes; and countless cousins, aunts and uncles.
His family is incredibly grateful for the care he received at the Dartmouth Cancer Center, particularly the team of Dr. Ranjan, Ethan, Elizabeth and Corey, as well as the outpouring of love and support he, Pat and Sam received from family and friends since his diagnosis.
Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to the Dartmouth Cancer Center.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at the Church of Christ at Dartmouth on January 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.
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