Condolence: Dave taught our son daniel for just over a year. He was such a wonderful presence in our house on a weekly basis. He was patient, friendly, and talented; the lessons would flow from acoustic, to electric, to bass and back. No matter what the mood in the house before the lesson, the mood after the lesson was one of relaxation and satisfaction. Dave will be missed for his skill as a teacher, and for the warmth of his personality. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Janet and Howie

Condolence: Dave taught me guitar while I was in highschool. He always encouraged me to write music and form bands. He came to my gigs and told me that my songs were good no matter how horrible they were. He was a great guy. My condolences to the Cawthon family.

Condolence: Everything I know about guitar I learned from Dave. His musical abilities were unearthly. I have never heard of another guitar teacher whom a student could give any recording to and not only be able to play it, but teach it only a week later. Music will always be very important to me and I am very grateful that Dave could have such a big influence on this aspect of my life.

Condolence: David was my guitar teacher. I learned many great tunes from his teachings. He was a great guy, never lost his patience. I will really miss Dave every Sunday afternoon from 3-4.
-From Jonah Schumer

Condolence: of all the teachers i have ever had Dave was by far the coolest and most interactive. he could talk to you about anything ranging from what defines a minor scale to whether or not kids should have to go to school.

whenever Dave came for my weekly lesson i could forget about whatever i was doing and simply play music. Dave will be greatly missed by all

Condolence: Dave taught my son guitar for the last four years. He was always gentle profession kind and patient. He became a part of our home and our family. My son Tom was always looking forward for the lesson with Dave.
We miss him and will miss him both as a person and as a teacher.
Our deep condolences to the Cawthon family.
The Sasson Family.
Newton MA

Condolence: We were extremely saddened to hear of Dave's untimely death. Dave came to our house weekly for several years to teach guitar to our three oldest children(now in their twenties) and he connected with each of them so easily and really taught them so much. We have fond memories of him in our home- and many nights he would stay and have supper with us- he will be deeply missed and our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family at this sad time.
Brian, Lindsay, Aoife, Ciaran, and Aidan O'Donovan. West Newton,MA

Condolence: Dave taught guitar to my 13 year old son Henry for over 2 years in Newton. He was an INCREDIBLE teacher. It was a joy to hear them play together and we couldn't believe how much (and how quickly) he learned from Dave. We will always be profoundly grateful to Dave for passing on his love of music to Henry. Dave had such a gentle, nurturing and collaborative way with Henry and the many other kids who took lessons from him. It seems that Dave could connect with all kids, regardless of age, personality or interests. He will be missed tremendously by many many kids and families in Newton. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

Condolence: I became friends with Dave while attending Simsbury High in the 1980's. He was one of the most intelligent, funny and truly unique people I have ever had the privilege to know. Many an hour was spent talking about and listening to music, and we exchanged albums back and forth.
I was, and am still, amazed at Dave's skill as a guitarist. I am happy to know that Dave was able to share his talent and gift with other aspiring musicians.

A true individual, Dave will long be in my thoughts.

My deepest condolences to the Cawthon family.

Condolence: Condolences to the Cawthon family for your loss. I spent alot of time with Dave in high school at SHS. He was a good friend. Dave and I went to many concerts together including one of Dave's biggest influences, Jimmy Page. Though we lost touch during our college years, his friendship and his gift of guitar playing will always stay in my memory. We nicknamed him "the Bootlegger" in high school because he always carried catalogs of rare and imported albums that he used to order from. Not having seen him play since high school, I can only imagine how good of a musician he became and how fortunate his students were for having him as their teacher.