William “Bill” Cashen Sr., 89, died on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, peacefully in his sleep.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
Mr. Cashen was born in Litchfield and was a man who embraced life with passion, humor and an unyielding love for family and friends.
A graduate of Villanova University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Mr. Cashen had a distinguished career that reflected his forward-thinking mindset and entrepreneurial spirit. He began his career as a salesman, but his true mark was made when he co-founded a new technology division with Joseph Infante at Airoyal, a pioneering company in the power monitoring industry. His contributions to the field were significant, including the installation of the lights at Shea Stadium intended for televised nighttime football games. The timing of that job resulted in Mr. Cashen being driven home in the New York Jets’ owner’s limo just in time for Christmas Eve dinner. He also designed one of the first 4-bit industrial computers. Later in his career, he founded Online Sales Inc. (OLSI), representing various cutting-edge companies and even prototyping the first digitally printed postage stamps for the U.S. Postal Service.
Despite his professional success, Mr. Cashen’s true legacy lies in the love, laughter and joy he brought to those around him. His enthusiasm for life was evident in his many interests and hobbies. From a young age, Mr. Cashen developed a love for technology, always staying ahead of the curve. He was one of the first people to own a car phone—a massive radio-based device that occupied most of the space in his Lincoln Continental trunk. His love for cars extended to a collection that included his beloved blue 1974 Citroën SM with a Maserati engine. Mr. Cashen was also an accomplished pilot, spending many joyful hours flying his Cessna 172, often sharing tales of landing on Rt. 66 near his hometown.
Family and friends were at the center of Mr. Cashen’s world. He was known as the life of every gathering, always ready to host, whether it was a holiday celebration, a bocci or poker game, or a simple or elaborate get-together. Mr. Cashen continued his father’s tradition of playing Santa Claus, delighting children and adults alike at parties, events, daycares and charities. His love for holidays and family gatherings was unmatched and he was always eager to involve everyone in the festivities.
Mr. Cashen’s athletic spirit was another hallmark of his life. He was an avid tennis player, skier, swimmer and sailor and he shared these passions with his children, creating lasting memories on the tennis courts, ski slopes and open waters. Whether it was a spontaneous sailing adventure on the Long Island Sound and the Chesapeake Bay or skiing trips out West and Vermont, Mr. Cashen’s joy for life was contagious. He was always eager to embark on new adventures and his family fondly remembers the countless stories that came from these shared experiences.
Mr. Cashen is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 40 years, Margaret “Peggy” Hershey Cashen; children, William (Megan) Cashen, Jr. and Doreen Cashen; stepchildren, Richard (Patti) Hershey, James (Sandy) Hershey and Lori (Paul) Hershey; grandchildren, Megan Hershey, Stephen (Kami) Hershey, Jamie (Matson) Carter, Olivia and Maura Yovanov, Ricky and Kylie Hershey; beloved nieces, nephews and in-laws; and his first wife and lifelong friend, Shirlee Cashen (John) Chaplin.
He was predeceased by his parents, Peter James and Kathryn Elizabeth (Flynn) Cashen; his brother, Robert (Mary Metcalf) Cashen and sisters, Kathryn “Kitty” (George) Todt, Elizabeth Ann Cashen; and stepson, Stephen Hershey.
Mr. Cashen celebrated life at every turn and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Condolences may be left online at www.parkwaywozniak.com
