Michael Francis Cahill, while surrounded by his family, passed away at the young age of 77 on May 2, 2024, after a battle with cancer.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Julia, and his siblings, Joseph and Ellen. Mike is survived by his wife, Janet, his children Michael, Melissa (Jeffrey), Patrick, and Mark (Ryann) and his grandchildren, Milo, Michael, and Baby J on the way.
Michael was born to Joseph Martin Cahill and Julia Anita Grennell on June 22, 1946, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He had two older siblings, his brother, Joseph William Cahill, and his sister, Ellen Marie Swier. He was baptized and a member of Saint Joseph’s Parish in Jersey City. Mike’s life was full of service, education, and unwavering love for his family.
Mike attended the local #6 Elementary School and played “stick ball/box ball” as a young boy. He was enrolled and was on the baseball team at Dickinson High School. He attended college at Teachers’ State in New Jersey after which he served honorably in the Navy until he was discharged in 1968.
He continued his college education at Saint Peter’s College working on a Business Degree. After moving to Florida in 1970, he graduated from Florida Technological University (aka University of Central Florida) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, with a Major in Business. He then went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Education at Rollins College. His career as a Business Education teacher at Wymore and Lyman High Schools was a testament to his passion for knowledge and helping young students. He also served as an assistant basketball coach at Wymore and was an Advisor of Lyman’s DECA ((Distributive Education Clubs of America) and coached their tennis team. He brought an innovative spirit to the classroom, even introducing “Santa’s Little World” as a student business model – a testament to his creative business mind.
Mike’s faith was strong. He was a member of Saint Mary Magdalen Church and President of their Men’s Club. His commitment to community extended to coaching Little League baseball, leading the Longwood League’s Babe Ruth Baseball program, and being a member of the Knights of Columbus who serves those in need. In 2006 thru 2012 Mike was honored to be the President of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association.
Mike met his wife in 1973, Janet Helen, who he loved and could not live without. They married in 1978 and their union was blessed with four children – Michael James Cahill, Melissa Ellen (Ashkin) Cahill, Patrick Joseph Cahill, and Mark Thomas Cahill – each a source of immense pride for Mike. His love story continued to grow with the arrival of his grandchildren – Milo Cahill, Michael Ashkin, and another little one on the way – and the addition of Ryann and Jeffrey to the family as daughter-in-law and son-in-law.
Mike and his wife retired in 2012. They retraced family roots by visiting Ireland where they stopped in the town where his Grandfather was born and surprisingly met distant cousins. They also traveled to England, Italy and many places throughout the United States with many frequent trips to New Jersey.
His favorite past-time was playing golf with his sons and friends, which fueled his competitive spirit. And oh, how he liked his monthly poker games with his buddies. He enjoyed watching professional sports, televised poker games, the history channel, and game shows.
Mike Cahill lived a life that echoed with faith, love, family, friends, education and sports. He was always caring of his family and friends, giving of his time and talents. Though his time has come to an end, the life he created will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 905 Laurel Avenue in Sanford.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday May 10, at 11:00 a.m. at All Souls Historic Chapel, located at 800 South Oak Avenue in Sanford.