Dr. Daniel Francis Cahill

Dr. Daniel Francis Cahill, 80, of Raleigh, passed away Monday, December 5, 2016. He was born January 26, 1936 in Fall River, Massachusetts, son of the late Daniel Cahill and Margaret (Sullivan) Cahill.

Dan was a faithful member of St. Peter and Paul Parish where he attended elementary school. He attended Durfee High School in Fall River. He obtained an undergraduate degree at Stonehill College. He continued his education with a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He started his career as a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service, retiring with the rank of Naval Captain and receiving the Service’s Commendation Medal after 20 years of service.

Dan worked for the United States Environmental Protection Agency in the RTP from 1972 until 1982 when he left as a Division Director. His career next took him to Carolina Power & Light Company where he directed the laboratory for environmental monitoring of the company’s nuclear power plants. Throughout his career he authored numerous well-regarded scientific articles. He had the privilege of testifying before a Congressional subcommittee about his work. His career path took him to positions in Las Vegas, Honolulu and Montgomery. He retired from CP&L in 1996 and then began an even more active retirement.

In his retirement, he gave back to the community in numerous capacities. He helped young children read through the Communities in Schools Program; spent countless hours volunteering at Catholic Parish Outreach, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, The Healing Place, and as a Rex Hospital Minister. He and Barbara have been faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish since 1972 where they have developed deep friendships. He loved reading and learning throughout his life. He took up golf late in life and treasured his regular Thursday tee times with the Holy Hackers. He was fortunate enough to play with his grandsons Reed and George. Dan spent many, many days over the past 44 years at the Alexander Family YMCA.

Dan is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara (Becker) Cahill of Raleigh, his son Dan Cahill and wife Sallie of Raleigh; daughter Cristin Buckley and husband Mike of Raleigh; grandchildren Kathryn, Reed and George Cahill; Graham and Julia Harrell; and Tyler and Evan Buckley.

A time of visitation will be held at the son’s home from 6-8 pm Thursday December 8, 2016. A memorial mass will be held at 11 am Friday, December 9, at Our Lady of Lourdes 2718 Overbrook Dr, Raleigh, NC 27608.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dan’s honor be made to Catholic Parish Outreach (2013 N. Raleigh Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604) or the Alexander Family YMCA We Build People Campaign (1603 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605).

Arrangements are under the care of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home 300 Saint Mary’s St. Raleigh, NC 27605 (www.brownwynne.com)