Stephen P. Cahillane

STEPHEN P. CAHILLANE

Northampton, MA — Stephen P. Cahillane passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, MA. He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Rita (Menard), the love of his life and high school sweetheart, on March 19, 2021.

A Northampton native, Steve attended St. Michael's and Northampton High School, graduating in 1954. Steve and Rita married in 1956 and went on to raise six children. A devout Catholic, Steve lived his Christian values by opening his home and heart to others. The friends of his children were like extended family and often stayed at the family home on North King Street. His nieces and nephews were also joyfully welcomed throughout the years.

A successful entrepreneur and businessman, Steve wore many hats working in the family car businesses – Cahillane Motors, Cahillane Auto Body and Cahillane Auto and Truck Leasing. He also owned and operated Calduwood Enterprises with two high school friends. He ventured into the real estate market with the purchase of several local properties including the Silk Mill in Florence which he redesigned into residential and commercial space with his partner, William Wood.

Steve joined the Army National Guard in high school and served for several years until becoming a father. He was active in many civic organizations including the Northampton Rotary Club. He served as president of Rotary in 1984 and received the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Award in 1991.

He enjoyed many activities with his family: snow skiing, golf and the occasional trips to casinos near and far. He enjoyed his years coaching his sons on the Calduwood Chargers in the Northampton Pee Wee football league, and with his daughters as part of the Calduwood Chargers cheerleading squad. He loved sharing year-round fun in Sunapee, NH and Burke, VT with family and friends. Steve and Rita spent nearly 20 years vacationing in Aruba until retiring to Naples, FL. The Florida chapter brought many new friends as well as much needed time to work on his golf game, which was another great passion of his. During those years he made several great friends on and off the course while soaking up the sun with Rita. Steve always looked forward to his time in Naples, especially when visited by his children and grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his beloved children, Deborah (B.J. Church), Linda C. Smith (Eugene), Sandra, Lisa C. Siddall (Michael), Stephen (Jennifer Toppin), and James (JoAnn); his cherished grandchildren, Amelia, Jordan, Thomas, J.J., Charlotte and Sophia; his siblings, James (Maureen), Robert, Maureen Lee, and Michael (Florence) and many, many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Rita's sister, Arlene Heroux (Ron) and her two children and their families, Brenda Bruso and Diane Fedora. They held a special place in his heart. He was predeceased by his brother, Jack, sisters-in-law Mary and Michaela, brother-in-law Robert Lee, son-in-law Chip Barsalou and niece Michaela.

Services for Stephen will be from Czelusniak Funeral Home on Wednesday July 7 at 9 AM, followed by mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on King St. in Northampton at 10 AM. Calling hours will be on Tuesday July 6 from 4-7 PM. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery will take place at the convenience of the family. For online condolences, please visit Czelusniakfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Childs Park Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 658, Hadley, MA 01035.