Dan Cahill
— Daniel James Mystic Cahill of Mystic passed away peacefully in the morning of Feb. 5, 2023, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, from colon cancer. Dan was born in Glen Cove, N.Y., on July 2, 1969, the beloved son of Theresa and the late Lawrence Cahill.
Dan is survived by his mother, Theresa Cahill of East Meadow, N.Y.; his children, Annalyn and Shea, and their mother, Miranda of Mystic. Dan is also missed by his inlaws, cousins and extended family; his California mom, Mary Ellen; sister, Emily; and a bounty of loyal and cherished friends, neighbors and colleagues from near and far. Dan was so fortunate to have lived a truly great life, his cup full with amazing people, satisfying work and memorable life experiences.
Dan was raised on Sherman Avenue in Merrick, N.Y., and was a graduate of Calhoun High School and Towson University. At Towson, he earned his bachelor’s degree in mass communications and was a brother in Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Dan enjoyed a prolific and diverse career working in nearly every role of food and beverage, marketing and management. Dan was a dedicated team member and was responsible for numerous initiatives, contributing significantly to positive team culture and each company’s successes. Dan’s leadership and efforts helped his companies creatively adapt to navigate the effects of major events, including the tragedy and aftermath of 9/11, national economic crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan traveled extensively for work and felt at home in many cities and markets across the U.S., developing connections, collaborations and friendships with his phenomenal colleagues all across the country. At the time of his passing, Dan was employed by a wonderful company, DGI Communications, as a project manager.
After growing up on Long Island and living in greater Baltimore and Boston, Dan settled in Mystic for his home base to marry and raise his children. Dan was active in his community, supporting his childrens’ school, music and athletic events and teams, co-running the Mystic Little League Snack Shack and pitching in as a Mystic Irish Parade volunteer.
Dan was a kind, witty extrovert and always a big kid at heart. He had an affinity for 1980s to modern rock music, electronics and video games, all things superhero, action and comedy movies and media, spectator sports, a good kayak paddle on the river, relaxing at the beach or the lake, cooking and craft beer. Dan will be remembered fondly as a playful and loving dad to his children, with a warm, fun and generous spirit toward all.
Dan’s family extends infinite gratitude to all those who provided expert and compassionate professional care since he received his diagnosis nearly three years ago. They made it possible for Dan to live life with his cancer to the absolute fullest. Additionally, Dan’s family is eternally grateful for the generous outpouring of love and support for Dan and his family through this time.
No formal events are currently scheduled, but may be planned in the future. In lieu, fans of Dan are invited to circle their fire pit, kitchen table or at their favorite gathering spot, queue up a playlist with some Van Halen, U2 and Foo Fighters and toast to Dan, who will be there in spirit, smiling, with a grilled pretzel in one hand and a beer in the other.
Please honor Dan’s memory by learning your health risk factors, getting your screenings early and often, living a healthy lifestyle, taking good care of your loved ones and being a friend to all. Donations in Dan’s memory may be given to the Groton Education Foundation Inc, P.O. Box 825, Groton, CT 06340-0825 or grotonedfund.org or to a cancer prevention and care foundation of one’s choice. Dinoto Funeral Home of Mystic is assisting Dan’s family.