John Cashwell Sr.

John Edwin Cashwell, Sr. of Southold, New York, and formerly of Mount Airy, passed away at home with his family by his side on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at the age of 85. John was born on Nov. 3, 1938, in Greensboro, to Viola B. (née Stephens) and Gaston B. Cashwell. He was one of three children, and his family were active members of the United Methodist Church in Mt. Airy. After graduating from Mt. Airy High School, he attended Duke University where he attained his Bachelors Degree in English and History and was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He was also a die-hard fan of Duke basketball throughout his life. After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he served for six years as a reserve. On Aug. 15, 1964, at Resurrection Church in Rye, NY, he married the love of his life, Ann M. (née McLoughlin) Cashwell. They resided in Briarcliff Manor, NY for 30 years and raised their four children there. He was an active member of the community and enjoyed coaching little league baseball and basketball. John was a successful marketing and advertising executive and had over 40 years advertising, marketing and copy writing experience, most notably responsible for helping to launch the Panasonic brand to consumers in North America. He started his career at Grey Advertising in 1965. Throughout his long tenure at Grey, John's focus was rooted in the toy business, serving as account executive for the Kenner, Tonka, Hasbro, and Parker Brothers brands. After retiring from corporate life, John and Ann moved to Albermarle Plantation, in Hertford where they built a home and enjoyed many years in the quaint and scenic surroundings of the Albermarle Sound. During this period, he returned to his true passion of writing. John loved to write poetry and authored numerous action thrillers. He also continued his love for the game of golf, that he learned as a child, playing well into his mid-eighties. Most recently, John moved to Southold, Long Island with his wife of 59 years, Ann, where they made wonderful memories with their children and grandchildren. Predeceased by his siblings Edith and George; John is survived by his wife, Ann; children, John Cashwell Jr. (Rachel) of Garden City, NY, Michele Bowker (Michael) of Saratoga Springs, NY, Mitchell Cashwell of Deerfield Beach, FL and Michael Cashwell of New York, NY; grandchildren, John Cashwell III, Emma Cashwell, James Cashwell, Meagan Smith, and Sydney Green. Most beautifully, he and Ann welcomed the birth of their great-granddaughter ,Quinn Harper Smith days before his passing. He is also survived by his niece, Allison Kramer; and nephews, Kenneth Cashwell and David Cashwell. The family has chosen to remember John's life privately at this time. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. John was a lover of animals and he and his wife owned many dogs throughout their marriage. In lieu of flowers, the family would like any donations to be sent to the North Fork Animal Shelter located at 269 Peconic Lane, Peconic, NY 11958 or online at www.northforkanimalwelfareleague.org. DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold, NY is serving the family. For those wishing to leave messages of sympathy or personal condolences, please visit their website at www.defriestgrattan.com.