Eugene Joseph Cahalan

Eugene Joseph Cahalan died peacefully on May 18, 2010 at Stratton Veterans Administration Medical Center, Albany, NY. Born July 16, 1917 in New York City to Patrick and Catherine Kelly Cahalan, formerly of County Galway, Ireland, Eugene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, a proud veteran, a dedicated public servant and a community volunteer. Eugene graduated from DeLaSalle High School, earned his Bachelors in Business Administration from New York University and a Masters in Public Administration from Syracuse University where he also completed all but his dissertation in the doctoral program. Eugene served his country during World War II, 1942-1946, as a Chief Petty Officer with the U.S. Coast Guard, aboard the U.S.S. General Richardson. Eugene had a distinguished thirty five year career with New York State including positions at the NYS Health Department where he retired as an Assistant Commissioner, the State Health laboratory, Division of Employment and the Narcotic Control Commission. After his retirement from state government, he worked as an advocate for the Organization of Management and Confidential Employees, an Examiner for the NYS Department of Civil Service and an instructor for Russell Sage College Evening Division. Eugene served his community in many ways, including as a St. Teresa of Avila School PTA officer, Little League Coach (Go Hibernians and Clinchers!), a Christian Brothers Academy booster club supporter and Captain of the CBA Bingo Team 4. He was the first president of the Albany Area Catholic Young Adult League and a devoted communicant of St. Teresa of Avila Church where he was a lector and Eucharistic minister. Eugene was the beloved husband of 56 years of Margaret Mary Chambers Cahalan, the dear father of Eugene Patrick, Kathleen Marie (Dwight Evans), Robert William (Joanne), Thomas Aquinas and Joseph Paul; devoted grandfather of Caitlin, Conor, Kelly Cahalan, Trevor and Patrick Evans, Brian and Christopher Cahalan. He is also survived by John and Liz Chambers, Marty and Janet Chambers, Ann and William McCarron; nieces and nephews John Chambers, Bill and Maribeth Chambers, Tom, Joanne, Lexi and TJ Chambers, William and Lorna McCarron, Patricia McCarron, Rose Ellen, Bill and Valyn Johnson and many dear friends; brother of the late Joseph Cahalan (Helen); brother-in-law of the late William Chambers. We were truly blessed by his strength and compassion, his gifts of story telling, poetry and diplomacy and his selfless dedication to his family, church, Country and community. The family expresses its gratitude to the staff and administration of Heroes Way, the Veterans Administration Medical Center and the St. Peter’s Nursing/Rehab for their care and support. Funeral services Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 8:15 am from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to the Parish of Mater Christi (formerly St. Catherine of Siena Church) at 9:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at the Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, New York 12208. To leave the family a special message on their Guest Book; obtain a Prayer Card or directions; or share a photo or E-Card with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Eugene Joseph Cahalan

July 16, 1917 - May 18, 2010