Paul F. Cahill

After a long battle with cancer, on Friday, December 21, 2012, Paul Francis Cahill, Sr. of Upper Marlboro, MD, peacefully passed away at Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton, MD. He was born on December 26, 1921, to Paul Cahill and Florence Behm, both of whom preceded him in death. He had 2 sisters, Catherine Donnelley, Halifax, MA and Helen Peters (Deceased), and 2 brothers Duncan, Brockton, MA and Donald, (Mary Rose), Florida. He was born in a period of troubled economic times and spent much of his youth in a Catholic orphanage in South Boston, MA with his sister Catherine. He was fortunate to have been fostered by Michael Hawkins, Sr. and Katherine Hawkins of Boston, MA, this became a lifelong relationship. Through this he gained two special brothers John J. Hawkins and Michael Jr., with John being the only surviving member of the immediate family. At an early age Paul joined The United States Army Air Corp, which ultimately became The United States Air Force, where he served through many conflicts including WWII. He was attached to the 29th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, "The Fighting Cocks." The military allowed him to travel the world. This past December 7, he recalled that while his unit was assigned to guard The Panama Canal, he and his friends were fishing in the Panama Bay when they received the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor. While serving his country and on R and R he went to a USO show where he met Jeanette Cecil Coutu (Deceased). These two later married and started a large family to include Patricia Dietrich, Jessup, MD; Theresa Schreiber (Ronnie), Port Republic, MD; Paul Francis Cahill, Jr. (Deceased); Marie Smith (Larry), Charlotte, NC; Phillip Cahill, St. Leonard, MD; Paul Gene Cahill (Carolyn), Waldorf, MD; John Cahill (Tondra), Fairfax, VA; Marc Cahill (Alexandria), Baltimore, MD; Thomas Cahill, Bowie, MD. In 1960 Paul retired from The Air Force and later settled in Palmer Park, MD. He became deeply involved in the community and served as Cub Scout Pack 1050, Pack Leader. He also transitioned his love for baseball into coaching and moved up to lead the Tigers as President of The Boys Club for many years. He went on to coach other teams after his stint with the Boy's club. He could have possibly loved this more than the Air Force. Through this service he forged lifelong relationships with many of those whose lives he touched. Paul was a sports fanatic and loved the local teams; you could not live in his house without being a Redskin fan. He loved The Capitals and The Nationals made his summer this year. He never missed a Redskin game whether at the stadium or on television. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; too numerous to mention each by name. He is also survived by a special daughter, Lorrie Cahill of Upper Marlboro, MD. He was preceded in death by Jerron Gantt, Paul thought of Jerry as his own son. He leaves us a legacy of family and community commitment. His years were many and his life was a perpetual evolution of service to country and community. His example of this service is a demonstration of the commitment and leadership that is much needed today, through his life we have learned from his mistakes and have grown from his example of what a man, father and role model should be. He challenges us with the task of making a difference in our own communities. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to United Service Organization at USO, Department WS, P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090, or by simply going to their website at uso.org. The family wishes to thank each of you for your kind words, actions and acts of support during this difficult period of time. We are truly blessed to have your support, may God continue to touch your lives and bless each one of you.