Lawrence J. (Lary) Cahill, Colonel (Ret), USAF, died March 6th after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Elizabeth, NJ on December 8, 1943 Lary was a military “brat†during his father’s Air Force career. In 1965 he graduated from Rutgers University and was commissioned in the Air Force where his 27 year career was in the communications field. He retired at Scott AFB and had a second career in the Information Technology field and worked at Sparta Community Hospital, Deltanet and the American Red Cross.
Lary was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Marie Cahill. Surviving are his wife Narni; son Sean Robert Cahill of Seattle; son Paul Lawrence (Emily) Cahill and grandson Sean Andrew Cahill of Cincinnati; daughter Megan-Marie Keith Cahill of St. Louis; brother Robert (Jeannie) Cahill of North Carolina; mother-in-law Keith Hatch of O’Fallon; his constant canine companion and nurse, Baxter; and his many friends and coworkers from the Air Force and the American Red Cross.
Lary was devoted to his family. His wife and children were his first priority and he was thrilled at the prospect of a grandchild. He was always into a project at his house and garden and will be sorely missed as the “fix anything†man. He had a dry, quirky sense of humor, an incredible memory and an enviable ability for correct spelling. He was comfortable with who he was and was never involved in “one upmanshipâ€. He was highly respected everyplace he worked and his family and coworkers knew he never missed a deadline and always finished what he started. He was noted for his woodworking. His home is filled with his beautiful creations. All of his children learned their computer skills and their work ethic from Lary.
Lary set an example to all who knew him of how to face adversity and never give up, never complain. Throughout his 11 months of cancer treatment he continued to work for the American Red Cross until the day he entered Hospice. He was a special man who made a true imprint on the lives of his family, friends and coworkers.
Special thanks:Â To Dr. Stephen Sorcher and the staff at the Barnes Siteman Center who helped Lary have many extra months with us; To the BJC Hospice nurses who made his last weeks comfortable; Saint Louis Art Museum and American Red Cross coworkers who sent cards, letters, gift certificates, etc; and To our many friends and family who have been a constant blessing in our lives.
In lieu of flowers donations are gratefully accepted in Lary’s memory at
Hospice Patient Fund, Office of Development, BJC Hospice at St. Louis, PO Box 504043, St. Louis, MOÂ 63150-0001
American Cancer Society, Relay for Life O’Fallon: Team “Lary’s Squadâ€, #5 Schiber Court, Maryville, IL 62062
Or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
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