Obituary of Andrew P. Cahalan

Andrew “Andy” Cahalan passed away peacefully at home on Monday January 8, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Andy was born on August 29, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York to his proud parents Paddy and May Cahalan. He was the oldest of seven children with 2 sisters and four brothers. Andy attended St. Thomas Aquinas grammar school and was a graduate of St. Augustine High School. He was an altar server and later volunteered as a lector for St. Columba parish in Brooklyn. Andy enlisted in the Air Force at the age of eighteen and spent four years in Florida and Japan before returning to Brooklyn. Before he left for the service, Andy met the love of his life and future wife, Janet Seeger. Once he returned home, Andy went to work for Wonder Bread as a delivery man, spending 40 years with the company before retiring. He made many lasting friendships along the way. 

Andy was a lifelong sports fan - passionately rooting for his NY Giants and Rangers, and later adopted the Mets once his NY Giants baseball team left for California. He also thoroughly enjoyed rooting against their hometown rivals the Islanders, Jets and Yankees with equal passion. He loved to bowl - and was active in several leagues. Besides Janet, Andy’s other true love was horse racing. He enjoyed handicapping with his friend Billy Hughes, and loved going to Belmont and Aqueduct race tracks.  Most importantly, Andy was truly a kind hearted man, who could and would talk to anybody. Andy was loved by many, especially his seven children (plus spouses) and eighteen grandchildren who will miss his quick wit and contagious smile.

Andrew is survived by his wife of sixty four years, Janet, along with his children Patricia (Martin), Noreen (Joe), Kerry (Dennis), Jill (Rich), Brian (Jen) and Christine (Michael) - and pre-deceased by Andrew “Butch” (Gerry). He is adored by his grandchildren Ryan, Andrew, Connor, Kieran, Matthew, Paige, Jack, Liam, Alex, Drew, Nancy, Cassie, Patrick, Lila, Madelyn, Ellie, Maeve and Aila. Andy is also survived by his devoted sisters Maureen O’Leary and Anne Cahalan as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and other extended family.

In addition to Butch, Andy is predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Mary, and his brothers Pat, Bob and Brendan.

Services will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Columba Roman Catholic Church on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM. The Commital Service will immediately follow the Funeral Mass at St. John Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Silver Shield Foundation or Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Andy’s honor.
If you wish to make a donation online for Tunnel to Towers please use the link below:
Tunnel to Towers Foundation