David Carl Maier

David Carl Maier, 53, passed away on November 3, 2024, in Fishers, Indiana. Born on November 1, 1971, in Hyannis, Massachusetts, to Carl and Deborah Maier. Known as Dave by all his family and friends and “Maier” by all of his students. 

Dave was a graduate from Lawrence Central High School, an Associates Degree from Cape Cod Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University and a Master’s of Education from UMass Lowell. Dave worked in the Movie Theater industry for over 15 years. Dave found his true passion and calling, teaching, thanks to his volunteering as a CCD teacher for the late Cindy Flaten and working as a teacher’s aide at Amy Beverland Elementary (Oaklandon, IN) under the support and guidance of the late Susan Jordan. Dave was able to fully transition from business to a licensed teacher in 2007 thanks to the New Teacher’s Collaborative (Ft. Devens, MA). Dave also kept his hand in the movie business working as a part-time manager at the Lexington Venue movie theater. 

Dave was a beloved Math and Science Teacher for 5th/6th for 16 years and 3rd grade teacher in his final year of teaching. He taught at Innovation Academy Charter School (Tyngsboro, MA); Parker Middle School (Chelmsford, MA); Presentation of Mary Academy (Hudson, NH) and volunteered as St Jeanne D’Arc School (Lowell, MA) and throughout his community in both Lowell, MA and Indianapolis. 

During his career, he was recognized as a teacher of the year and has been a multisport champion coach in school and the community. Most recently, he was presented a citation from the State of Massachusetts Senate recognizing him as an inspiring and accomplished teacher which was presented by a former student. 

His classroom theme was “Happiness Is…" living by his motto “Peace and Love”. Dave delighted in creating crazy characters for his students, always making learning fun, creating wacky Wednesdays, three-word Mondays, teaching service to others, dancing for box tops, or to greet students on special days like the equinox, and finding the joy in each day. 

He loved all Boston sports but especially Red Sox baseball. He loved family time, movie nights and Disney and Beach vacations with family and friends. He loved teaching and coaching his kids and his students and took special pride in helping them not just learn new material or learn how to play the game, but about most especially he loved seeing them achieve confidence and success. 

He coached in Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Sports Indianapolis and Ecumenical Athletic Association (EAA) Sports Lowell (softball, baseball, volleyball, basketball, soccer) and Pawtucketville Youth Organization (baseball) for a combined total of 25 years. He led his teams to championships in both soccer and baseball. 

Dave was diagnosed with Grade 4 Astrocytoma (Brain Cancer) in February 2022. Our journey was blessed with small miracles and God-winks. We are thankful for the gift of time that God bestowed on our family. We are thankful to the teams at Dana Farber Neuro-oncology, Brigham Women’s Neurosurgery, Spaulding Rehab, Merrimack Valley PT Nashua, IU Neuro-oncology, Franciscan Acute Rehab and Franciscan Hospice for providing such wonderful care to Dave throughout this journey. We are also thankful for the gifts from special charities during our journey. 

Dave left this world on Sunday Nov 3rd but his light will not be lost. It is now up to us to carry on his lessons of finding the best in people, focus on the happiness and joy even when the times are hard and always share your love with others. He taught us all that no one is a stranger, that anyone can be family, and to always make a world a better place with peace and love. As Benny said with his Oscar award on Nov 2nd, “he is the world’s greatest dad”, but he is also the world’s greatest husband, uncle, brother, son, cousin, nephew, friend, teacher and coach. Peace and Love, Maier. We will all miss you but we will all continue to share your message.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Jennifer; four children; Samantha, Andrew “Drew”, Alan and Benjamin; parents, Carl and Debbie; brothers, Michael and Jason; sister-in-law Letha; niece and nephews, Nicholas, Christopher, Sarah and Lucas; his numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins; in-laws, Randy and Judy Lenter; his sister-and-brother-in-law, Cathy and Steve Bohan; nieces and nephews, Samuel, Veronica, Jonathan, Matthew, Abby and Rachel; brother-and-sister-law, Anthony “Tony” and Leslie Lenter; niece, Harper. 

He is preceded in death by his grand-parents, Alan and Barbara Maier; Uncle Leland Maier; sons, John Francis and Leland Joseph; and grand-parents Joseph and Irene Drolette. 

A Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:30 am, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 Crittenden Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Burial will immediately follow the Mass, at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 9001 Haverstick Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

A second funeral mass will be held in Boston on Monday, November 18, from 1:00 pm to 2 pm at St John the Evangelist 115 Middlesex St. North Chelmsford, MA 01863. 

Dave asked for no suit and ties. Please wear your favorite sports jersey in Dave’s honor. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in David’s name to any of the following: 

• The Kristy Williams Memorial Foundation (www.kristywilliams.org ); 
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• Ecumenical Athletic Association (EAA) Inc. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-590 ; 
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• Catholic Youth Organization Sports Indianapolis http://cyoarchindy.org ; 
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• Presentation of Mary Academy Angel Fund (https://www.pmaschool.org/support-pma/Annual-Giving#AnnualGiving ); 
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• Dana Farber Cancer Institute (https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/make-a-memorial-or-tribute-gift )

Tribute video: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveMaiersMemorialChannel-w5o