Dr. David McConoughey Dies After Cancer Battle—Westlake Community Mourns Respected Physician and Faithful Servant
WESTLAKE, OHIO — The Westlake community is mourning the loss of Dr. David McConoughey, a beloved critical care physician, mentor, and devout Christian, who passed away this week following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 45.
Known across Northeast Ohio for his medical expertise, quiet leadership, and unwavering faith, Dr. McConoughey leaves behind a remarkable legacy rooted in compassion, healing, and service—both within the hospital walls and in the heart of his church community at Journey Church.
From Childhood Dream to Medical Leader
Dr. McConoughey’s journey into medicine began as a child, inspired by anatomy books and his mother’s front-desk work at the Cleveland Clinic. That early spark of curiosity grew into a calling that would define his life.
After earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed his residency at St. John Medical Center in Westlake and later pursued a fellowship in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Florida–Shands.
He returned to Westlake as a highly respected intensivist, eventually serving as medical director at St. John Medical Center. His reputation as a level-headed, compassionate leader earned the trust of peers and patients alike.
Faith at the Center of It All
What truly defined Dr. McConoughey, however, was his faith.
A dedicated member of Journey Church, he served humbly on the Dream Team, contributing to church operations with the same quiet consistency he brought to the ICU. Church leaders remember him as someone who “showed up early, stayed late, and never sought attention.”
Even during the final months of his life, as cancer took its toll, he continued to show up—for his church, his family, and his patients—often offering prayers and encouragement to others while quietly battling his own fight.
A Quiet Force of Kindness
Dr. McConoughey didn’t need to speak loudly to leave an impact. He did it through small gestures: remembering nurses’ birthdays, checking in on colleagues after long shifts, and offering comfort to grieving families with calm and clarity.
“To call him a good doctor is true, but it’s not enough,” said a fellow physician. “He was a good man. One of the best.”
His approach to medicine and life was the same—thoughtful, measured, and full of grace. Colleagues say he made them better professionals. His patients knew they were in the hands of someone who cared.
Beyond the Scrubs
Away from the hospital, Dr. McConoughey loved traveling, running marathons, and playing golf. He believed in staying mentally sharp and spiritually grounded. A passionate advocate for environmental causes, he supported organizations like Greenpeace, blending his personal values with global awareness.
Family, friends, and church members describe him as someone who lived with deep intentionality—never wasting words, never missing an opportunity to love well.
In His Absence, A Powerful Legacy
Dr. McConoughey is survived by his family, his church community, and the thousands of lives he touched as both healer and friend. He leaves behind a standard of excellence not just in medicine, but in humanity.
A Celebration of Life will be held by Journey Church in the coming days. Details will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to local cancer support organizations or to Journey Church, honoring the places that defined his mission and ministry.
“He healed more than bodies — he healed hearts,” said one church leader. “And he did it quietly, faithfully, and completely.”
Dr. David McConoughey—a doctor, a disciple, and a difference-maker—will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Related Memorials
Leave a Reply