THOMAS H. “TOM” CASHELL

April 28, 2023

THOMAS H. “TOM” CASHELL
U.S. Veteran

US Navy

Vietnam War

THOMAS H. “TOM” CASHELL – of Woburn, passed away peacefully Friday, April 28th, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of eighty. Cherished husband of 56 years to Anita Allerite (Nuez) Cashell. Devoted father of Laura Glynn, her husband James “Jim“of Middleton, Thomas D. Cashell, his wife Laura of North Berwick, Maine, and Clara Pavone, her husband David of Woburn. Dear brother of William Cashell, Kevin Cashell, Corinne Sullivan, Mary Cashell, Joseph Cashell, John Cashell, and the late Francis “Frank” Cashell. Beloved Grandfather of Samantha, Kirby, and Kyle Glynn of Middleton, Kalayaan and Malaya Cashell of Maine, Ray, Michael, and Sophia Pavone of Woburn. Tom is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins in the US and in the Philippines. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 4th at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Church, 280 Main St. Woburn.  Interment and Military Honors to follow in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, May 3rd from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main St. Woburn. Remembrances may be made in Tom’s memory to: Woburn Veterans, 144 School St. Woburn MA 01801.

 

THOMAS H. “TOM” CASHELL – a lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully Friday, April 28th, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of eighty. He was the beloved husband of 56 years to Anita Allerite (Nuez) Cashell. 

Born and raised in Woburn, Tom was a son of the late Frank and Dorothy “Dottie” (Wells) Cashell.  Tom was the fourth of eight siblings growing up on Union Street.  As a child, he kept busy at local farms, helped his mother at The Strand Theatre, and when needed, at his parents’ store Frank’s Variety.  He was a graduate of Woburn High School, Class of 1960.

After his acceptance to Annapolis, Tom decided instead to enroll directly into service. At 17 years of age, he walked with a friend to Medford to enlist which started a long career with the US Navy that spanned over 23 years. Tom traveled all over the world and met his future bride, Anita, while stationed in the Philippines.  His courtship of Anita involved visiting her over many months that required multiple boat rides, taking water buffalo cart rides, and tokens of his sincerity including a jar of peanut butter and Tang to win over her large family.  Tom was extremely close to his extended family in the Philippines, supporting many nieces and nephews through college.  Over the years, Tom and his wife visited often and enjoyed the fun times with family, delicious food, and the beautiful countryside.     

After marriage, they moved to Green Street in Woburn where they lived for over 50 years and raised three children. A history buff, Tom combined his love of history and traveling, bringing his family in their crowded station wagon, to many historic sites and battlefields along the east coast.  He enjoyed the outdoors, spending time tending to his yard and garden.  He enjoyed walking all around Woburn, talking with those whom he met along the way.  

After retiring from the Navy with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, Tom and Anita continued with their travels by visiting locations all over the world.  One of his favorites was swimming in the Dead Sea while in Israel.  Other favorite destinations included Maritime Provinces, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and driving through all 50 states often in search of antiques.   

Once he left the service, Tom attended nursing school, where he rose to the top of his class  and earned a degree as a licensed practical nurse and worked for Winchester Hospital.  Tom left nursing to work as a mechanic for the MBTA where he finally retired after 20 years.   

Tom lived a life of service.  He gave back once again by becoming an EMT and volunteering for the Woburn Medical Reserve Corp (MRC). Tom could be seen at the city’s flu clinics, festivals, and other local events in his capacity as an LPN or with the MRC.  Tom was known for his kind heart and generous spirit.      

Tom remained active throughout his life enjoying spending time with his eight grandchildren, watching their school programs and sporting events.  One of his greatest joys was having family gatherings with all his grandkids.  He was incredibly proud of all their accomplishments.  Being an extremely handy person, Tom could repair or create almost anything, and especially enjoyed making unique gadgets for his grandkids.   

Gone too soon, he will be truly missed, but never forgotten.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his children, Laura Glynn, her husband James “Jim“of Middleton, Thomas D. Cashell, his wife Laura of North Berwick, Maine, and Clara Pavone, her husband David of Woburn. Dear brother of William Cashell, Kevin Cashell, Corinne Sullivan, Mary Cashell, Joseph Cashell, John Cashell, and the late Francis “Frank” Cashell. Cherished “Grandfather” of Samantha, Kirby, and Kyle Glynn of Middleton, Kalayaan and Malaya Cashell of Maine, Ray, Michael, and Sophia Pavone of Woburn. Tom is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins in the US and in the Philippines. 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 4th at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Church, 280 Main St. Woburn.  Interment and Military Honors to follow in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, May 3rd from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main St. Woburn. Remembrances may be made in Tom’s memory to: Woburn Veterans, 144 School St. Woburn MA 01801.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 4th at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Church, 280 Main St. Woburn.  Interment and Military Honors to follow in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, May 3rd from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main St. Woburn. Remembrances may be made in Tom’s memory to: Woburn Veterans, 144 School St. Woburn MA 01801.

 

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  1. May your memories bring you happiness and peace. He lived a beautiful and extraordinary life, and made it a better place through his service and his family. Sending love to the Glynn and Cashell families.

  2. Steven Morris

    Anita and family, my sincere condolences. Tom was such a devoted friend who came to the aid of so many. Truly put others ahead of himself, and always first to volunteer. We will all miss him so dearly. Rest in peace my Friend.

  3. Kozeta Mimani

    Our deepest and sincerely condolences to your family! “Xhaxhi” Tom will be greatly missed! He always friendly and kind to the kids.

  4. Caitlyn FitzGerald

    Rest in peace, Mr. Cashell. He lived a long and incredibly adventurous life, and created a beautiful family that will carry on his legacy. I extend my sincerest condolences to the Glynn family in this difficult time. May you carry him in your hearts and spirits forever.

  5. My most sincere condolences to everyone. He was a lovely man. – Kristin Sloan

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