My freshman year of high school, if I recall correctly John and I had the same schedule with every class, just by chance.  So we spent a lot of time during the days.  He was my first friend at the school, I can't tell you how many times I heard, "Beh, wait up," and we'd walk down to the next class.  We sat at lunch and I heard his funny stories every day for a year. I'm just honored to have known him. Such a funny guy -- so many times he left me crying laughing -- and wise beyond his years.  I was disappointed when he left the school but I was happy years later to see him on Facebook with his two sons.  I am so sorry to see this happen.  As the son of a father, John, who died early, it hurts just to think about this.

To John's parents and family I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy for your loss- John was an upperclassman when I was a freshman in high school and had taken me under his wing while simultaneously keeping me out of trouble - he was brilliant and funny and one of those rare souls who just had a way of making people feel welcome - he was so smart yet never condescending - so cool but never cold to people - he was a great friend to so many and I just want you to know that all of his friends are thinking of him and thinking  of all of you

To The Cahill Family,
The last time I saw John was at Café Al Dente.  I didn't even know he worked there. I heard someone call my name from the kitchen and there he was.  What a surprise!  I hadn't seen him in years.  Keel Court was never the same after your family moved away.  Some of my childhood memories of John: playing football on The Caulfield's front lawn, playing kick ball in the court, chasing down the ice cream man, walking home from Roosevelt school together in the pouring rain (stopping to take cover at various stores along the way) and just hanging out outside being kids with Steven, Maureen, Barbara and my sisters, Laura and Adrienne. I'm glad I have these memories. I hope this book brings you some comfort. John was obviously loved by many!

John, you will be missed. Always enjoyed seeing you after we both left the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. I will always remember our talks, your creativity and your cynicism.

bARBARA AND jOHN....Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.  Sheila, Atlanta, ga

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad and difficult time.  John was friendly, kind man and a great chef.  He was always thinking of creative, tasty dishes and desserts to share with all of us. He will be missed.  My heart goes out to his family and boys.

John was very kind.  He always had a smile on his face and went out of his way to make sure everyone was pleased.  He got very excited if anyone bragged on his cooking creations!  He will be missed.  Prayers for his family especially the boys in the days, weeks and years to come.

The reality of your passing just cannot sink in. I'll forever miss your bright blue eyes and your brave, bold spirit. Thank you for great memories that will never be forgotten. I will miss you terribly.

John was our brother.  He lit up the room with his smile and bright blue eyes. So many laughs and good memories. Love you, John. Alison and Don

So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was always so pleasant and was one heck of a chef. Always wanting us to try new things. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and his friends. ~

My heart is deeply saddened by the loss of John.  He was such a nice person and a great chef.  I asked why he came to the south from up north. One reason he gave was southern' accented voices and there were more 'southern' voices outside of Atlanta than in Atlanta.  I know he will be greatly missed by all of his friends and family.  My heart and prayers go out to you.  I pray his boys will always have good memories of their Dad.

John was a great guy. He was always so friendly and a pleasure to talk to not to mention a great chef. I pray for the kids and family during this difficult time.

John, I know the angels above are enjoying your company and your strawberry cream cheese ice cream!  You are missed!

He and his gift in this life will be missed.

John was such a nice person and an excellent chef.  He was always warm and friendly with a great smile. I was saddened to hear of his passing and am praying for his family.

John was a very talented chef and a great spirit. Although I knew John for a short time as our chef at Greenway Health, he learned our names, our likes and dislikes, he asked our opinions and he made us feel special. I'm happy for our meeting and very sorry for our loss. 

One of my very favorite poems , Reason, Season, Lifetime, depicts the spirit of John for me. 

"People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person...

"When someone is in your life for a REASON,it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.They have come to assist you through a difficulty;to provide you with guidance and support;to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.They may seem like a godsend, and they are.They are there for the reason you need them to be."Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on."Some people come into your life for a SEASON,because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.They may teach you something you have never done.They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.Believe it. It is real. But only for a season."LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant." Unknown

Sending love and my condolences to The Cahill family - so sorry for your loss xo -

I only met John a couple of times when I'd leave Manhattanville with Barbara and join the Cahills for a loud, entertaining, and always delicious family dinner.  I remember Barbara's stories, however, and could tell how special John was to everyone in the family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

most of the time, our lives tend to click along with some basic regularity. we get up, we get dressed, we go out into the world, we take on whatever we need to take on to get through our days. some days we dance in the rain. some days we ride the struggle bus, wondering if we are ever going to be able to hop off at a better spot. some days we soak up the sun, relish the time with those that we love, laugh at the silly little bits of life that make it all worthwhile.

some days are more memorable than others. there are days that one month, one year, one decade from now, you will remember where you were, what you were doing, who you were with. sometimes those memories hold on forever because they are so very happy. sometimes those memories hold on forever because they are very sad.

recently, i experienced one of those very sad days. one of my cousins, a bright, beautiful, brilliant star that blazed across the sky, was taken from us. my special cousin john has moved to another plane. he has left behind two beautiful young boys and their mother, his loving mother and father, two sisters and a brother (all rightfully devastated) a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and a myriad of friends, associates and loved ones. john was 46 years old.

it is so very difficult at a time such as this not to ask the questions as to "why?" john was taken, or to not shake a fist and cry in anguish at the sense of helplessness of our inability to keep him here with us on this plane. if even for just one more day, so that we could say things that we always meant to say, but got caught up in life and now it is to late. or do the little things that we have done in our minds but were not able to do otherwise; give a warm hug, squeeze his hand with comfort and assurance, tease out a crooked smile with an odd joke or story.

so we comfort ourselves with the knowledge that john is now on a plane where there physical bonds that restrict us from our true joy are no longer an obstacle for him. we comfort ourselves with the knowledge that our thoughts, our prayers, our intentions that are filled with love, peace, and understanding are reaching john now, and wrapping him with a warmth and comfort that are filled with love. and we comfort ourselves with the knowledge that every time we hear the laughter of john's beautiful boys, share the stories of times spent and shared together with john and the family, and to carry the love and brilliance that was always a part of john, that john is always with us. john's star may no longer blaze across the sky on this plane, but it was always shine on in the heavens brightly, boldly, and beautifully.

you are remembered. you are loved. you are missed.

My deepest sympathy to you Steve and your family. May you find peace and comfort during this difficulty time.

My heart breaks with the news of John's passing. Condolences to his family and friends.

So sad to hear about John, best friend and neighbor as children. So many great memories. Playing football in the neighbors yard till they chased us off, sailing sunfish and so many others. He was so smart and so funny. He will be missed by all that knew him. My thoughts, prayers and memories are with his family.

I will miss you my brother you will be always in my heart .Sore high with the angels . Your cousin John

Dear Barbara and John,  The whole family sends their love and prayers at this sorrowful time   We remember all the happy times we all shared so many years ago...May God bless you all and give you the divine strength 
to see you through this sad time...Love and blessings...Barbara and all the 
Nowak gang.   May John rest joyfully with the Lord,      (Barbara Nowak  Freehold NJ)

So sorry for your loss. He was a sweet person with an infectious smile. Praying for the boys.

Dear John and Barbara,
May the love of caring friends soften your sadness and bring you moments of comfort for your grieving hearts.
God bless and love,

I shall never forgot John. He was such a good friend to Jimmy, and I'll never forget the two of them Painting here, and his hijinks after Alison's wedding. Loved him so much. He was one of my sons from another mother.

So incredibly sorry for your loss. Prayers to the whole family. God Bless

My sincere condolences to the Cahill family. John was a pretty unique guy. Shared many laughs and good times at the strip and park in OB. RIP old friend..

RIP John  it was a pleasure working with you and getting to know you as a friend. You were one of the most talented chefs I ever trained God bless you my friend

John. You will be greatly missed. You were an amazing soul. Sending love you your boys.

Words can't express the loss you are facing.  I will wrap you all in prayers and peace for the whole family.   He was a very special guy and will be greatly missed.  Love to you all, Jean

John always brought love, happiness,kindness and yes a bit of craziness this is what we all loved about him. This is a tragic loss u will be greatly missed. My heart aches for his family and children. My love always John I will never forget you.

So saddened by the terrible news. Sending prayers to your family.

Devastated, gutted ... John was loved and will be missed very much! My heart and deepest condolences go out to his family.

John was a great guy! Prayers for his family! Expecially his 2 boys!

I am heartbroken and so very, very sad. Sending love and prayers to his family, especially his precious boys. JRJ (PP, FL) / JRW (OBHS)

My heart aches over this. I'm so sorry for this loss. I'm sending prayers to your family and your soul.

OBITUARY

John Carroll Cahill Jr.

February 18, 1969 – November 7, 2015

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