John Norman Cahill

John Norman (Norm) Cahill passed away Sunday, October 11 in his home in Hockessin, DE, with his wife, Sandra, and daughter Vicki Letts by his side. Norm was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1932, to the late Anna Nadine (Carter) Goodpaster and John Lewis Cahill, and he was a devoted son to his beloved stepfather, Roy Goodpaster.

Norm graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and received the outstanding pledge award. Norm gave 35 years of dedicated service to the DuPont Company, transitioning quickly from engineering into management positions that encompassed manufacturing, technical studies, professional staffing, sales, marketing, international relocation, expatriate taxation, international benefits, and international salary administration. His implementation of DuPont’s shares program for all DuPont and Conoco Operations outside the U.S. was widely acknowledged.

After retiring in 1991, Norm devoted more time to his many interests and to community service. He held leadership positions in his fraternity, the United Way, the First Unitarian Church, the YMCA, and Coffee Run Condominiums. Norm was never motivated by praise; he was simply determined to help others and leave the world a better place.

Norm was an excellent host whose broad range of interests and life experiences made him an entertaining conversationalist. He was a longtime member of a bowling team and liked to golf and ski. He enjoyed music, especially classical music. Additionally, Norm welcomed learning about new cultures and foods while traveling the world with his wife Sandra. An avid reader, he loved literary discussions.

Norm had a brilliant mind that remained sharp his entire life. Family and friends marveled at his memory of past experiences, and appreciated his keen insights, his interest in current events, and his vast knowledge of history and many other topics.  Beyond his wonderful stories, it was Norm’s careful listening, sincere interactions, and genuine warmth that made everyone in his company feel special and important.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Paul, his son David, and stepsiblings Bill Goodpaster and Sandra Lovett.

From his marriage to the late Janet Forbes in 1953, he leaves his children Chris Gearhart (Ernie), Lori, Michael, Vicki (Earl), and Steve (Martha). Norm also leaves 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He loved being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

On February 26, 1984, Norm married Sandra (Carbonell), whom he met in Coral Gables, Florida, while both were employed by the DuPont Company. Work eventually brought Norm and Sandra to corporate headquarters in Wilmington, where they spent much of their 42 years together. In addition to Sandra, Norm leaves two stepchildren, Marcela and Ricardo Acevedo, whom he loved as an important part of his family.

He is also survived by his brother Allen Cahill, stepbrother Bob Goodpaster (Julie), and many nieces and nephews.

Norm will be profoundly missed by his wife, surviving family, and many friends.

Special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Guarino, Annette Drumgo from CarpeVita, and to Katie Hammond and Jennifer West from Compassionate Care, who took such good care of Norm and shared many pleasant conversations with him.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Ministry of Caring at 115 East 14th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, or to a charity of your choice.