Oswego, NY - William (Bill) S. Cahill Jr., 89, former Mayor of Oswego, passed away

peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Father's Day, Sunday June

21st. He was predeceased by his parents, William Stanton Cahill and Ruth Mae Quirk

Cahill of Oswego NY, and a brother John T. (Jack) Cahill. Bill is survived by his loving

wife of 68 years, Ann DiCecio Cahill; his children Mary Comerford, Anne Cahill and Bill

(Jennifer) Cahill III; grandchildren Joseph William Comerford and Monica Margaret

Cahill; great grandchildren Shea Comerford and Liam Comerford; sister Anne Vogel of

Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was born in Oswego and aside from one semester at Morrisville College, spent his

entire life in the port city he loved so dearly. At age 8 he went to work on the family fish

tug, steering the boat safely home as his father and crew picked fish on deck. He

attended St. Mary's Elementary where he occasionally drew the attention of the nuns

with his lifelong friend, Tom Galloway.

Bill went on to Oswego High School, picking up his pal, Beaver McCrobie, most

mornings in his '32 Plymouth. At OHS, "Killer" excelled at sports, captaining the football,

track, and boxing teams under the legendary coach Dave Powers. In the boxing ring Bill

went undefeated for three years, later turning down an opportunity to box at the Golden

Gloves level. After one semester at college Bill missed Oswego, the fishing business,

and the love of his life, whom he started dating in high school, the stunning and fiercely

independent Ann DiCecio. Upon returning to Oswego, Bill Jr. worked with his father Bill

Sr. and older brother Jack in the family commercial business on the tugs, Billy, Ruth, Jackie and later, the Eleanor D. After marrying in 1951, Bill

and Ann ran Cahill Fisheries until their retirement in 1996. During the 1950's Bill also proudly served as a cook in the NY National Guard.

In 1979, Bill ran for Mayor of the city he could never leave and served as the city's first

four-year term mayor, winning reelection in 1984. Accomplishments like the West First

St. Beautification Project, West Linear Park, Veterans Park, and Wright's Landing

Marina are just a few examples of the city's development under his leadership. More

than anything, he enjoyed helping his fellow Oswegonians as individuals and human

beings on a daily basis. To his last days he marveled at the fact that a kid who grew up

during the Great Depression could go on to become mayor, be invited to The White

House, and meet the President of the United States.

Bill was brought into the world at a time when ships were made of wood and men were

made of iron, and his iron will combined with a kind and compassionate heart served him well for 89 years.

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The family will receive friends at the Dain Cullinan Funeral home Friday, June 26th from 4 to 7p.m. In accordance with NYS regulations, masks will be required, and social distancing guidelines will be in place.

A Christian Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, June 27th at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the Good Shepherd at St. Mary's Church in Oswego. Those who wish to attend are asked to register with the church office at 315-343-2160. You may register by voicemail. Masks are required.

Flowers are welcome; The family has designated the Friends of Oswego County Hospice, PO Box 102, Oswego, NY for memorial contributions as they are eternally grateful for the angelic care that was given to them.