Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1942
DIED
2020
Joseph Cahill Obituary
February 19, 1942 - January 16, 2020
Joseph Anthony Cahill, known to his friends as Tony, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2020 at a board and care facility in Vallejo, CA where he had been living for the past two years. Tony was born in Alton, Illinois on February 19, 1942, son of Lucile (Young) and Joseph A. Cahill, Sr.Tony was a long time San Francisco resident, arriving here in 1974 after serving ten years in the United States Merchant Marine. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Ribbon for coming under fire during voyages to Vietnam delivering supplies to U.S. Armed Forces. Tony was a proud and dedicated volunteer crewman on the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, the National Liberty Ship Memorial honoring seamen of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served in World War II. He was also an active member of SEIU Local 87 and worked passionately to defend the rights of working people.
Tony had a sharp, inquisitive mind. He was largely self-educated and extremely well read. When he moved out of his San Francisco apartment of over 40 years, sixty-two boxes of books went to the Friends of the San Francisco Library. He was a devout Catholic and, despite his modest means, extremely generous to his friends and charities.
Tony is survived by several cousins: Joanne Price of Lowell, MA; George Duggan of Hudson, NH; Gerald Cahill Duggan of Reading, MA; Shanahan Cahill of Vero Beach, FL; Taylor Cahill of West Hartford, CT; Bob Cahill and Thomas Cahill of Corona, CA; and, Kathleen Cahill of Lake Forest, CA. His friends, Daniel Kreps and Tom Harkin of San Francisco, who cared for him beyond what any family member could provide, also survive him.
A Memorial Mass will be held in his honor at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, 660 California Street, San Francisco, CA on Saturday, February 8th at 9:00AM. Donations in his honor to the SS Jeremiah O'Brien would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Cahill
2 Entries
Ann A
February 17, 2020
Tony was an intelligent, kind, compassionate, and generous human being. His care and concern for others were and his devotion to God was constant. He was a dear and sweet friend who made a difference in my life.
Ann
February 17, 2020
Tony was an intelligent, kind, compassionate, and generous human being. His care and concern for others were boundless and his devotion to God was constant. He was a dear and sweet friend to me.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Cahill's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Cahill
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Cahill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
