Thomas S. Cahir

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Thomas S. Cahir, 72, of Bourne, MA on March 12, 2025.
Tom's career in Massachusetts politics and transportation is quite illustrious. Elected to the Mass. House of Representatives in 1985, he represented the 3rd Barnstable District for 14 years. During his tenure, he held several leadership positions, with a significant focus on transportation issues. Notably, he served on the Joint Committee on Transportation throughout his legislative career and chaired it as well.
His involvement in transportation extended to various projects across the Commonwealth, including commuter rail expansion and infrastructure improvements such as the Sagamore Rotary grade separation. Cahir's legislative efforts were pivotal in advancing transportation initiatives, evident in his sponsorship of bills such as the 1996 Seaport Bond Bill and multiple Transportation Bond Bills.
Transitioning to the Executive Board in 1999, Cahir became the Deputy Secretary for Transportation Programs at the Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works (EOTPW). In this role, he managed a substantial budget of $140 million and provided oversight technical expertise, and financial assistance to the Commonwealth's fifteen Regional Transit Authorities.
Tom joined the CCRTA in 2009 as its Administrator, he was able to take his public service and transportation experience and help foster a greater transportation system on Cape Cod.
Tom's first love was running and for many years he and his band of brothers Bill Henry, Steve Ballentine and Bob Burt (and anyone else who joined along with them) could be found early mornings each day running on the streets of Cataumet and Pocasset having a grand old time out-doing each other. He was an accomplished runner having completed 13 Boston Marathons and 40 Falmouth Road Races. His second love was golf and you could find him every weekend with the guys at The Cape Club.
He leaves behind his sisters, Virginia (Wayne) Lamborghini of Sagamore, Linda (Thomas) Cook, Carolyn (Paul) Forsberg and Mary (David) Curran all of Bourne. His best friend, who was more like a brother, Joseph Carrara and his wife Joanne. He also leaves behind many close friends and very special relationships, especially Paula Lynch and the Lynch Family of Falmouth and the Flannery Family of Bourne. Tom had many nieces, nephews and cousins, and was particularly close with his cousin, Charlotte Doherty of Scituate. He was pre-deceased by his parents Jeremiah and Edith Cahir.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Patrick's Church, 511 Main St. Falmouth.
Burial will be private
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the American Heart Association. www.heart.org