Obituary of Don Cashman

JAMES DONALD CASHMAN Don was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on September 5, 1929. He was the middle child of 3 boys. He grew up on Long Island attending public schools. He graduated from Norwich Military University in Vermont and the army became his career. He met Pat, his wife to be, on USS Randall which was carrying troops to Korea and dependents to Japan. Pat’s father was stationed in Japan and she, her Mother and sister were joining him there. They fell in love on that ship and were married a year later on 6 November 1954 in Arlington, VA. He and Pat (was a military brat herself) enjoyed the military life of traveling and lived in Germany and many places in the United States. While living in Germany they were blessed to adopt an 11month old darling girl who they named Cathleen. And lo and behold 11 months later her brother Bob came along. Don was always a kind, and loving father while being a strict disciplinarian. He made sure that Cathy and Bob attended the local Catholic School wherever we were .He was always most generous and thoughtful. Pat says he spoiled her rotten. He always said that if he didn’t spoil her someone else just might. He was an avid reader of mostly military history, the Civil War, World War I and II. He loved reading about Jesus, Mary and all the Saints. He said the rosary every day and attended daily Mass for many years. Movies were another of his loves…especially John Wayne movies. I think John Wayne and the Cowboys was his favorite. And he watched all of them many times over. One saying was so true about our Don…”you can take the man out of the military but not the military out of the man.” He was full of stories and loved sharing them with whoever would listen. Ingrid loved having him stop by the desk and regale her with one of his tales. He was ill for quite a while but never let on just how ill he really was. Although bone cancer can be very painful he was spared that until late in his illness. He was such a good patient, never complaining and never demanding. We were able to bring him home from the hospital and two days later God called. No more “burning daylight” for our Colonel Cashman, our officer, gentleman, husband & father. He is loved and will always be in our minds and hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Outreach Program or Capital Campaign at Sacred Heart. You may leave memories and condolences online by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.