East Williston, New York
The Renaissance Man
Michael J. Cahill had been a cross-country runner in high school 20 years ago and at 37, he was still running. Last May he came in third — behind two teenagers — in a field of 100 in the annual five-mile race in East Williston, N.Y., where he lived. (His wife, Colleen, walked it with the kids, Conor, 5, and Fiona, 2, in a double stroller.) It was typical. Mr. Cahill was good at almost everything he did.
That is why Marsh & McLennan, where he had worked for seven years and was a senior vice president and claims attorney on the 99th floor of Tower 1, promoted him posthumously to managing director.
That is why St. John's University Law School, from which he graduated in 1991, is giving him its Dean's Award on Dec. 1.
That is why neighbors in East Williston, where he joined Halloween parades, Christmas tree lightings and other doings, will put up a bench and plaque in his name on the village green, and why 1,000 friends attended a memorial Mass at St. Aidan's Roman Catholic Church in Williston Park on Oct. 1.
And that is why his children, with whom he shared music, sports and trips to the beach, and Colleen, who met him at a Hamptons share house in 1990 and adored his wit and honesty, will miss him.
I am a stranger to Mike passing through to let him know that he, and all the other victims of the brutal 9/11 attack that changed America will not be forgotten. To his wife and family, millions of people still stand by your side, wishing good things for you in the years ahead.
Leslie Honcharik
September 17, 2022 | Other
Remembering our friend and classmate on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. ❤ Our hero
Maureen Farrelly Marsala
September 04, 2021 | Williston Park, NY | Friend
Remembering Michael on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Cindy Roe
September 03, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
It is so sad when the world loses such a wonderful man. His life should be an inspiration to the rest of us men to be the best we can be, as the world needs more men and people like Michael. I am praying today for his family and many friends.
Del Newberry
October 25, 2018 | Garland, TX
Praying for you , and your loved ones, all the way from Dublin , Ireland. RIP Michael.
Trish S
December 10, 2017
God bless Michael
February 05, 2016
We just had a 9-11 Memorial run and ceremony here in Camp Zama, Japan. U.S. Army Garrison Japan. I had the honor of wearing your name on my uniform during my run. It was a beautiful morning and memorial service. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. Sincerely, CPT Jay Miller, U.S. Army MEDDAC-Japan
Jay Miller
September 10, 2015
I walked a mile for you (mile #323) on 6/1/14 as a dedication to your life.
Barbara Boam
March 27, 2015 | Colorado Springs, CO
I saw Michael's name on the memorial. I can't imagine the pain that you and others like you went through. We all have a short time on earth and the measure is how we lived in the time we had. What a lovely man and thank you to you and your family for sharing his memory. So lovely that you have found the strength to continue through life, living it to the full. Love survives all.
Heidi In England
March 22, 2015