Obituary of Thomas Joseph Cahill

Thomas Joseph Cahill, age 97, of New York City, peacefully passed away at home on September 24, 2024.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and wise old sage to his neighborhood friends. He will be deeply missed by all who  knew and loved him.

Tom is survived by his children, Madeleine Bither, Thomas (YaYun), James (Carey), and Teresa Quigley (Frank). He was predeceased in death by his wife Teresa, his youngest son John Joseph, and his son-in-law Steven Bither. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as several cousins in Scotland and many nieces and nephews in Massachusetts, and Ireland.

Tommy was born on November 12, 1926 in Tollcross, Scotland, the only child of  John Cahill  and Catherine (Gilmour) Cahill. 

As a young man during World War II in Scotland,  Tommy was conscripted to work in the coal mines and thus was one of the original Bevin Boys. He then  became a sheet metal apprentice  and received his Full Course Certificate in Sheet Metal Work from The Corporation of Glasgow Education Committee in 1947. 

In the late 1940’s Tommy came over to visit his maternal grandparents who had emigrated to the Bronx with some of their children. He decided to stay a bit longer after being introduced to a beautiful red headed Irish girl who ultimately became his wife.  During their courtship Tommy was called up to serve his new homeland during the Korean War and he entered the US Army in 1951 and served for two years. 

On July 9, 1955 in New York City, Tommy  married Teresa of County Clare, Ireland. They moved to Stuyvesant Town where they raised their five children. As the years went on, Tom stayed in StuyTown and welcomed various grandchildren who were seeking their first jobs in NYC after graduating from college.

Tommy was a “Tin Knocker” or sheet metal worker who worked in NYC for the same firm, A. Suna and Company, for 40 years, working on  construction jobs all around New York City, including the Twin Towers. He would often point out to his children, “I did the duct work on that building.” He loved living and working in New York City. Tom was a member of Local 28, Sheet Metal Union Workers, for over 70 years.

Tom’s family and friends respected the integrity, generosity and kindness he displayed throughout his life. He was a humble and honest man who treated everyone with dignity and respect. He was full of life and always saw the good in each person or situation.

He was a proud Scotsman who loved to dance and play Scottish music and sing Scottish songs. From a young age he immersed his  children in Scottish culture, ultimately singing those classic Scottish favorites to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. However  he was quick to say that he  didn’t drink scotch, play golf, wear a kilt, or play bagpipes! Tommy was so proud of all his children and grandchildren and he loved each and every one of them.  He was a lifelong NY Rangers Hockey fan and was so proud recently, when  his youngest grandchildren started playing ice hockey in NJ.

Tom’s unconditional love for all his family and friends will be missed immensely.

A memorial mass celebrating Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at 10 am at St. Bartholomew’s Church, in Scotch Plains, NJ.