A 20-year Haverhill firefighter, Joseph Everett Cahill III, 51, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, March 23, at Holy Family Hospital at Merrimack Valley surrounded by his family.
Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Joseph E. Jr. and Marion F. (Mullahy) Cahill. He attended Haverhill Public Schools and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, class of 1983. A gifted athlete, he was awarded a full football scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross. Cahill began his career working for his family’s Cahill’s Ice Cream Stand and later at Skelley Motor Company, Monument Square. He served the City of Haverhill as a firefighter for 20 years, retiring as a lieutenant in 2012. He was a member of the Haverhill Firefighters Relief Association and the Local 1011 Firefighters Union and was admired by his brother firefighters.
Cahill was a man with strong convictions. He was passionate in whatever he believed in, whether it be politics, religion, family or friends. He was eager to let you know where he stood. He had a huge heart and great sense of humor. He was a diehard football fan, playing the game and watching it, especially watching his son, Joe IV, play the game. A history buff, he enjoyed studying World War II history.
He leaves his wife of 27 years, Debra Ann (Masera) Cahill; four children, Megan L. Cahill, Amanda J. Cahill, Casey R. Cahill, and Joseph E. Cahill IV, all of Haverhill; sisters, Patricia LaChance and her husband, Ernest, of Haverhill, Marion Bresnahan and her husband, Joseph, of Plaistow, N.H., and Joan Heselton, of Rockport; mother-in-law, Jean C. (Hall) Masera, of Haverhill; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., at Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services begin Saturday morning at 10 a.m., from the funeral home, with funeral services at 11 a.m., at St. James Church, Winter Street, Haverhill. Interment will follow at the Memory Wall at Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made the Haverhill Firefighter Relief, Joseph E. Cahill III, Memorial Fund, c/o Haverhill Fire Department Credit Union, 75 Kenoza Ave. Haverhill, MA 01830.
Buddy was alright