Gena L. Cahill

NAPLES, FL – Gena L. Cahill, 1932-2021, recently of Naples, Florida but always a Cape Codder at heart, passed away peacefully at age 88 on June 15th, 2021. She was born on September 27, 1932, in Waterbury, VT to Carmella and Giovanni Palermo, and grew up in Waterbury, VT. Mrs. Cahill attended Waterbury High School and attended undergrad at the University of Vermont and received a bachelor’s degree in Business.

She married the love of her life, Alan, in 1955, produced three incredible children, Thomas, Deborah and John, and the family grew up together on the Cape.

Gena and her husband Alan cared for countless families as a part of his medical practice and were a beloved part of the Cape Cod community.

From 1985 to 1994, Gena served as a Department of Army Civilian, culminating as the executive secretary for General Schwarzkopf during Desert Shield/ Desert Storm, 1990-1991. At some point after this, her husband Alan nicknamed her “General G” and the family would fondly use this moniker throughout her life.

True to her Italian heritage, Gena loved her family and truly enjoyed preparing amazing dinners. Her beautiful smile and infectious laughter were constant companions to her family and friends.

Mrs. Cahill’s son John, daughter Deborah and her many friends and relatives will truly miss her indomitable spirit, humor, and incredibly caring disposition. The friends and staff at her residence in Moorings Park in Naples, Florida have lost their kindest and most cordial neighbor. Gena was the semi-official welcoming committee of one. She would go out of her way to make sure that any new resident that moved into her building would have someone to show them around. She would invite them to dinner with her and introduce them into Moorings Park’s social life.

Gena and Alan were members of Saint Williams Church in Naples. The family invites donations in Mrs. Cahill’s name to “Pets For Vets” (service pets for wounded war veterans) at www.petsforvets.com; to the Moorings Park Give Them Wings Scholarship Fund at 866-802-4602; or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital Research Fund at www.stjude.org.

Friends and family are welcome to attend the memorial service on Tuesday September 28th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Cape, 468 Stony Brook Rd, Brewster, MA 02631. A gathering following the service will be held at the Orleans Cemetery, 144 Main St, Orleans, MA 02653. Gena will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Alan and her cherished son Thomas.

The family respectfully asks all attendees to the service and gathering to wear a face covering.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nickerson Funeral Home, for online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.