Obituary of Edward J. "Ed" Cahill

Edward J. “Ed” Cahill, Jr., 64, of Peabody, husband of Karen L. (Marchewka) Cahill, died surrounded by his caring family at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Friday, January 31, 2014. Ed was born in Portland, Oregon, on September 15, 1949, son of the late Edward J. and Anna M. “Nancy” (Feehily) Cahill. He was raised and educated in Peabody graduating from Bishop Fenwick High School in 1967 and was a lifelong resident of the city. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 18, 1970 and served a tour of duty in Vietnam from October 1970 to October 1971 as Specialist 4 with the 101st Airborne Airmobile Division, was awarded 2 Bronze Stars and Vietnam Medal, and was honorably discharged on May 17, 1976. He then pursued his education at the Andover Institute of Business in Lynn and New England Institute of Embalming and Funeral Directing. Ed was employed as a licensed funeral director and embalmer at the P.M. Cahill & Son Funeral Home in Peabody and was also involved with trade embalming at some North Shore Funeral Homes for several years. He was later employed at ALIS Corporation in Peabody as an Inventory Control Manager for 25 years until his retirement in 2010. Ed dedicated his life to his wife Karen, children and grandchildren supporting them in their endeavors. From 1988 to 1992 he coached the Peabody Little League, was a member of the VFW fidelity Post 1011, St. Michael’s Society, and played with the Friscoe’s bowling team at Sunnyside Bowladrome in Danvers. In addition to Karen with whom he shared 37 years of marriage, he is survived by his children, Patricia J. O’Keefe of Exeter, NH, Jonathan E. “Jon” Cahill of Peabody, Matthew R. Cahill and his wife Michelle of Vernon, CT, and Sarah E. Cahill of Peabody; a sister Elizabeth A. “Libby” and her husband Dennis Caplette of Martinez, GA; and Patrick M. Cahill of Peabody; 6 grandchildren, Cole, Mason, Ryder, Kaylee, Christina and Samantha; a niece, 3 nephews and many cousins. Ed’s family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His funeral will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 9 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at10 a.m. at St. Ann Church, 140 Lynn St., Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s name to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101 A First Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 or to the Peabody Little League. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.