Thursday, 4:30 PM
Excerpts from the funeral of firefighter Paul J. Cahill
(John Tlumacki/Globe Staff)
Adam Cahill, Paul's son
There is an absence of proper words to describe the love that I have for my father. It's not due to a lack of a vocabulary. They just don't exist.I could always rely on him for reassurance that the sun would rise, regardless of how terrible the day had been. I consider this just a dark day, but to my joy -- and I am sure to his -- I can see the sun has already begun to break through.
Rev. Daniel J. Mahoney, chief chaplain of the Boston Fire Department
Once more the muffled drums. Once more the skirling pipes. Once more the tears. And once more the hymns. How much sorrow can Paul's family suffer? How much pain can the Boston Fire Department endure?The citizens of Boston know when the bell rings, when the box is struck, Boston firefighters -- like all firefighters -- respond, no matter the risk, no matter the cost. But how grievous the cost is that brings us together here in Holy Name this morning.
Captain Stephen Keogh of Engine 30, Boston Fire Department
I want to tell the members of the Cahill and Payne families that I have asked that same question you have asked over and over: Why were Paul and Warren taken from us. As a firefighter, I explain my answer by saying, they died because there always exists the possibility of dying in the line of duty in our profession.Paul and Warren died in service to this neighborhood and to the entire city of Boston.
Paul was a son, a brother, a father, uncle, friend, Navy veteran, master electrician, exemplary firefighter, and legendary firehouse cook.
Paul was so animated when he described a nice meal he was about to prepare he would say, "Boys, I have some nice steaks or a beautiful roast tonight." Then he would add, "My wife, Anne, is a vegetarian, and we rarely have meat at home, so I like to get some nice cuts of beef."
Paul was a good man, a kind man. Always smiling, telling funny stories. He took great pleasure in making people laugh. He would do anything for anybody.
Paul loved being a firefighter. I once heard if you do what you love for work, you will never have to work a day in your life, because it will never feel like work. Paul loved this job, and it showed in every task he performed.
A Cahill family friend
Before I begin, I should probably let everybody know when I refer to "Cat Daddy" I am speaking about Paul, who to all of our friends has become the Cat Daddy.As I think of Cat Daddy, a few things come right to mind -- a proud father, a loving husband, a man sincerely devoted to his family, a true friend that is always there for those around him always with a few words of advice and several more of encouragement.
A few minutes with Cat Daddy could assure you that all is well and as long as you put your best foot forward and most of your weight behind it, that anything is achievable. I think that is what a lot of us will miss the most -- the encouragement and knowing that he was always with all of us close to him on all of our endeavors unwavering in his support.
And although we will not have him by our side anymore, we will have the lessons he has imparted on to us. It is my belief if we all carry that little piece of Cat Daddy with us, he will never truly die.
James Cahill, Paul's brother
He was named after his uncle, Paul Joseph Lotti -- mom's brother who was an airborn ranger in Korea who was killed while trying to save somebody. And our dad Patrick Cahill, a Boston Police officer decorated with a distinguished career. And our mom, a registered nurse, who had a long career serving the city of Boston and the Boston hospitals. And his brother, Patrick, and sisters Kathleen, Jeanne, and Maria, and many of our aunts and uncles and cousins all chose to serve others in careers in law enforcement, healthcare, and public service.So you can see the pattern. You can see the fabric by which Paul is made of that made him the great man that we honor today.
But what Paul will be best remembered for was the love for his family and for his life and for life.
Paul, he was a man's man, as we know -- a regular guy so many of you said coming through the line. But I will tell you, he had no problem with public displays of affection for his wife, Anne. He was so very proud to be married to you, Anne, and he loved you very deeply.
Paul loved his children passionately, his sons, Brendan and Adam, and daughter, Shauna. You are always going to have your father's love with you and that bond will be forever unbroken.
All of us in Paul's life have been enriched by his love and his passion, and that is what brought us here today because he also had that love and passion for being a firefighter and for all of his brother and sister firefighters.
We all need to remember that Paul was compelled to act the way he did that night of the fire. Because that was who he was, and that's how he chose to live. So we can't be sorry and blame because that was Paul's choice -- that's how he lived his life.
In ending -- just a quote I read somewhere I'd like to use:
"All the darkness in the World can not put out the light of one candle."
Well, Paul is that candle, forever shining bright. Shine on, Paul. Shine on.
Edward Kelly, president of Boston Firefighters Union Local 718
We love our job. We love going to work. Paul loved going to work.Our job, put simply, is to help people. When people are having the worst days of their life, we show up and we try to make it better. And sometimes, we die trying.
Paul and Warren made the ultimate sacrifice. And I'm here to tell you, that their sacrifice was not in vain. Your husband, your dad, your son, and your brother and my brother, are going to continue to protect people. That his sacrifice -- and your sacrifice -- has renewed commitments from the people who control how we can work to work safer, to give us funding to make firefighter safety a priority. There is no greater embodiment of one's spirit -- especially for a firefighter -- to be able to protect people when they have passed on. And that's Paul legacy. He is going to protect us through his spirit.
