Rev. John Walter Cahill
1947 - 2017
Rev. John Walter Cahill
1947 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1947
DIED
2017
John Cahill Obituary
Rev. John Walter Cahill, 70, entered eternal life on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Selected Medical Hospital in Ft. Thomas, KY. Son of the late Clarence John and Sophia Vilkoski Cahill, Fr. Cahill was a native of Drift, KY. He traveled extensively. His many year service to the faithful included: teaching for many years at NKU and Thomas Moore College, serving as director of Peace and Justice for the Dioceses of Covington (1988-1994), and founding pastor of Cristo Ray Parish (2004). He also worked toward immigration reform and was accredited by the Dept. of Homeland Security to provide legal assistance to immigrants. Special to his heart were his chaplaincies at St. Ann Convent and St. Walburg Monastery. He will be dearly missed by his sister Rita Lee (Ray) Henschen of Spring Hill, FL; Michael J. (Jeanne) Cahill of Cypress, CA; many nieces and nephews; as well as his brother priests and the faithful of the Diocese of Covington Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Cathedral Basilica in Covington, KY with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held at Davidson Memorial Gardens in Ivel, KY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Congregation of Divine Providence, 2000 St. Anne Dr. Melbourne, KY 41059 or to St. Walburg Monastery, 2500 Amsterdam Rd. Villa Hills, KY 41017. Online condolences to www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com.
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6 Entries
Nancy Fletcher Jenkins
December 21, 2017
My brother and I went to our Lady of the Mountains with The Cahill family . I was friends with Rita Lee and was invited to spend weekends in the Cahill home frequently. They were a lovely family . For many years I considered Rita Lee my best friend . and my brother was a friend of the boys , Johnny was 7 years younger and quiet . I saw him once since then when I went to the Cathedral for St Elizabeth nursing school reunion. I am very sorry for the family's loss. My condolences
Luanne Nordloh
December 18, 2017
I was blessed to have known Father John Cahill for a few years. He was a wonderful man whom I have great admiration for. Sorry I live on the other side of the river and didn't hear of his passing until now.
Dave Macke
December 5, 2017
I have not seen Fr. John in years. I was fortunate to know him during his years at Thomas More College. My wife and I were fortunate that Fr. John officiated our wedding in 1990. Sorry to hear about his passing.
Fr. Bill Poole
November 20, 2017
I was Fr. John Cahill's pastor in Floyd County, KY while he was in the seminary at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He was a member of St. Juliana Church in the town of Martin. John was smart, compassionate, hard-working, kind, committed, patient....really a man for "the other" which led him to the priesthood and to advocacy for the poor and for immigrants. The fruits of his good works are many. He brought a sense of humility in the quiet, but effective ministry that he offered at the Cathedral and in ministry to and with Hispanics. His mom and dad, Sophie and Clarence...and brother Mike and sisters, Mary Clare and Rita Lee, contributed a unique vitality to the Appalachian village of Drift on Left Beaver in Floyd County. Visits with them were joyful and memorable.
May Father John's light continue to help guide our own pilgrimage to the Source of All Life.
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Michael Townley
November 19, 2017
Rev. John Cahill was a Thomas More "Rebel it was an honor and a pleasure to know one of the many true " Thomas More Rebels."
I first met Rev, Cahill in 1976 as a freshman at Thomas More College. He taught Philosophy and was the Chaplain of the College. Rev. Cahill was a great comfort to many students that were great successes and those who may have been struggling. He was compassionate when others were not, and he was outspoken for those who were in need of a voice, a true Thomas More Rebel.
Last year I had the opportunity to travel to Vietnam with Rev. Cahill. He was consistently involved in Peace and Justice for many years throughout his life, with many more travels locally, and through South and Central America at a time when no one dare travel to those areas.
Rev. Cahill will be missed for his integrity, while challenging our thoughts, our ideas and our actions. Rev. Cahill was a true Rebel.
Michael Townley
John Cahill & Mike Tonley 1988
November 18, 2017
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