Bill proudly served honorably, achieving the rank of specialist, serving several roles in the light infantry. He conducted several CONUS and overseas tours culminating at Fort Davis, C.Z. (Canal Zone), which was a strategic U.S. Army infantry base located near the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. A life-long of the Weymouth/Braintree Elks, he was an active volunteer for many events, often cooking, organizing, and running the show. He loved traveling the world with his wife, Patricia, by boat, plane, or camper. He enjoyed dancing, listening to music, and was the life of every party. He was the first one to arrive, the last one to leave, and was found at the grill at every cookout, whether he was asked to or not, often while wearing some crazy holiday hat. He was a friend to all he met and a dad to anyone in the neighborhood who needed one.
In addition to his wife Patricia, he is survived by his children Denise Sheridan of Weymouth, Gail and her husband Chris Bongarzone of Hanover, Kenny and his wife Pam of Weymouth, Stephen of NH, Tracey and her husband Jeff Waggett of Falmouth. Predeceased in death by his son, William C. Cahoon, and his daughter, M. Dianne Boivin.
He was affectionately known as Papa Bill to 21 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his remaining siblings, Brian, Lance, Erika, and their families. A visitation will be held from 9-10:30 am on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington St, Hanover. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home, beginning at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider one of these charitable foundations:
New England Center and Home for Veterans, 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741
