Head of School Kathleen Devaney shared the announcement below with the Hill community on Wednesday, November 27. We will provide updates regarding service information as we receive it from the family. Please keep the entire Allain family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. 

Dear Hill Community,

It is with profound sadness that I share that our dear friend, colleague, and teacher, David Allain, passed away peacefully on November 26. For the past three years, David has courageously battled pancreatic cancer. Having exhausted all treatment options, David chose to spend his final days surrounded by his family in their home on Hill’s campus.

The news of David’s passing is especially devastating as the Allain family and our community continue to mourn the loss of David's beloved wife, Beth, just six months ago. Together, David and Beth shaped The Hill into a more loving, caring, and brighter community. Although we will feel their loss deeply, their collective impact on our Hill family will live on.

David first arrived at The Hill in 2000, with Beth, and his infant son, Luke. David joined the faculty as a Curriculum Integration Specialist in the Information Technology Services Department. In 2003, David shifted roles when he was named Assistant Dean of Students and later promoted to Dean of Students in 2008. In 2016, David moved back into an information technology role, when he was named Director of Information & Technology Services.

Throughout his 25 years at Hill, David enriched all areas of School life, serving as an instructor of digital arts and biology, adviser, senior administrator, and coach of the squash and girls’ tennis teams. He and Beth spent 16 years as dorm parents in the Upper School and Scheerer Dormitories. For many years, David and Beth led Hill’s chapter of the spiritual life FOCUS program, which was initially what drew them to The Hill. David and Beth were the proud parents Luke ’18 and McKay ’23.

David’s unshakeable faith in God and the deep, honest love he had for his family, friends, and Hill community will be the cornerstones of his legacy. David lived his faith. Despite the pain, discomfort, and grief he endured, David never stopped contributing to our community. He was always there to offer support, comfort, or encouraging words to anyone, especially our students.

As plans to remember and celebrate David take shape and we receive more information from the family, we will share them with you.

Please keep the entire Allain family – especially Luke and McKay – close to your hearts and in your prayers.

In community,
Kathleen Devaney