William Cashman
57 years old
North Bergen, NJ
William Cashman's best friend, John "Hesh" Linner, wrote:
Billy was born and raised in the Hell's Kitchen Section of the West of NYC. After serving in the Air Force, he worked for 40 years as a Local 46 Lather (Ironworker). He was an instructor for many years at the Welding School for lathers.
Billy practiced karate for 10 years, working himself up to a red belt before a stomach operation forced him to quit. He was a quiet man with a wonderful sense of humor who loved a good bottle of wine and conversation with friends. He was never boastful and yet was accomplished at everything he ever put his mind to. He was a very influential and loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews, spending time with them on vacations and at their school activities.
Billy was an enthusiastic outdoors man who loved to hike. He spent many days hiking at Harriman State Park, but his happiest times were spent hiking out west at Glacier State Park and Yosemite National Parks. Billy died on Flight 93 on September 11th. He was on his way to Yosemite along with his pal, Joe Driscoll where they were meeting up with John Linner. These three buddies had made several hiking trips together and it was a time they cherished.
Billy leaves his lovely wife, Maggie and many friends and family members who miss this truly wonderful man. Billy was a calm and patient man who was fun to be around. He was greatly admired and loved by all who knew him. Indeed, it was a privilege just knowing him.
Lee T. Wong, a student of Mr. Cashman, wrote in to say:
Billy was my welding teacher. I will truly miss this sweet and gentle human being. He was the kind of teacher that "sorta held me by the hand" through my start to getting my licences. He never shunned anyone, he was always there for help, and to answer questions. He gave us all undivided attention. He never gave negative feedback when we had bad days. He was always calm and would say something like, "Maybe you should do it faster or try another heat setting." He is one teacher that I can learn from if I ever decide to teach.
Billy, you will always be near to my heart. Thank you for giving me the honor to have known you. You taught me more than welding, you taught me humanity.
For the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's biography of Willam Cashman, click here.
