David P. McKay, 85, of Hudson, Mass., formerly of Shrewsbury, Mass., died on September 4, 2012, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He leaves his wife of 59 years, Patricia, five children, two daughters-in-law and two sons-in-law, ten grandchildren and one great grandson. David was a longtime summer resident in Ocean Point, and in the past was the summer organist at the Wilson Memorial Chapel.

David taught in the Humanities Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass., for 37 years and retired as a Professor Emeritus in 1993. His courses for undergraduates ranged from 19th century English literature to music theory and composition. Very active as a composer, David's published works most often featured solo voices and the choir, and have been widely performed. The biography of American colonial composer William Billings, which he coauthored, remains a standard reference work. David served as an organist and choir director for several different area churches for 45 years.

David’s family will gather to honor and remember him privately at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice or The Worcester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, P.O. Box 20208, Worcester, MA 01602.  The Guild made David an honorary lifetime member in 1982.

Burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury, Mass.  Arrangements are being made by the William R. Short & Son Funeral Home in Marlboro, Mass.