"POKER! POKER! POKER!" It was the gregarious announcement after mealtime at almost every family gathering, followed by the unmistakable and boisterous cackle of our loving patriarch. This was Dave, and everybody knew it. And everyone lucky enough to know Dave knows the deep love, care and concern for others he carried with him through life. After a courageous battle with metastatic bladder cancer, fought with incredible strength, dignity, and of course, his trademark humor, Dave Kervin passed away at his home in Groveland, MA on Monday, May 6.

Dave's exuberance and vitality for life can be seen in every aspect of his existence. He worked hard, played hard, and loved hard. He worked 44 years at Youngblood Company in Haverhill, MA. He loved hosting and cooking Christmas dinner for friends and family...followed by poker, of course. He organized Thanksgiving trivia - and if you knew nothing of the Patriots or Bonanza, then good luck! He rarely missed family celebrations and was there when you needed him. He loved Budweiser, and playing hide and seek with his empty cans at your house if you were hosting. A kind of "leaving his mark," which you may not find for days, but undoubtedly with a laugh.

The affection and commitment he displayed for his beloved Patriots is second only to his family. Although, his family may have questioned that order at times! You see, Dave and the love of his life, Kathy, have been Patriots season ticket holders for 37 years - long before the current dynasty existed. When Kathy and Dave started dating in 1982, Dave couldn't believe his good fortune. This woman also loved football and the New England Patriots! It didn't take long for Dave to make Kathy his wife.

Together in marriage, they shared their life and love for 35 years. They raised two beautiful and intelligent girls, Katelyn and Shanley. They cruised the world, and traveled to favorite locations such as Hawaii, Ireland, Alaska, and the Bahamas. Their love of the Patriots (and Tom Brady!) brought them to three Super Bowls - 2 in New Orleans and 1 in Houston. Kathy introduced Dave to her family tradition of vacationing at Hampton Beach every summer. Quickly, Kathy and Dave's cottage became the raucous one and the epicenter of night gatherings during beach week. Partners in crime, as well as in love? Most likely, as "Gram" (Kathy's mother), was often heard commanding, "Kathy and Dave, go to bed!"

"The Hunk of Haverhill" is survived by his wife Kathy; two daughters Shanley Kervin, Katelyn Szafir and son-in-law Paul, and their newest family member - grandson Julian!; Dave's mom Helene Faxon of Haverhill; brother Tom and sister-in-law Tammy Kervin of Sarasota, FL; sisters Deb and brother-in-law Rick Noury of Haverhill, MA, and Linda and brother-in-law Ted Boulter of Raymond, NH; plus many nieces, nephews and cousins, and his beloved dog Bailey. Dave was predeceased by his father Forrest Kervin and stepfather Carol Faxon.

Dave's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, May 10, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will follow beginning at 7:00 PM. Celebration of Dave's Life will be held on Sunday, May 12, at the Irish Cottage, 17 Branch Street, Methuen, MA from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO WEAR PATRIOTS ATTIRE AT BOTH SERVICES IN HONOR OF DAVE.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Dr. Einstein Research Fund, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or the Staystrong Program, South Shore YMCA, 141 Longwater Drive, Suite 110, Norwell, MA 02061. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

WE WILL LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER.