Cahill, Michael J., Jr. Of Groton, formerly of Lowell, passed away on October 5th, 2015 at the age of 73. He was the son of the late Michael J and Virginia M Cahill. He is survived by his daughters Lisa Munroe and Barbara Cahill of Nashua NH, sister Maureen Greene and family of Lowell MA, brother Daniel P Cahill and family of Lowell MA, brother Martin Cahill and family of Woburn MA, sister Virginia McManus and family of Lowell MA, and close friend and companion Carole Jackson of Ossipee NH.

Michael was a lifelong drummer, music teacher and supporter of music and the marching arts, and is credited for introducing Drum and Bugle Corps style to New England High School marching bands. Early in his career Michael was the drummer for the Playboys Jazz Trio and accompanied well known musicians including Juanita Hall, The Drifters, and Duke Ellington’s vocalist Al Hibbler. While earning his Master’s in Music Education from UMass Lowell he directed Music at Xavarian Brothers High School and Ursuline Academy. From 1972-1981 he directed the Quincy High School Marching Band. These years are affectionately referred to as ‘the Cahill years’ by many of his adoring former students. The award winning band performed at Patriots games, the Cotton bowl parade, the Bermuda Music Festival, the Boston Papal visit and for presidential candidates Ronald Reagan, Ted Kennedy and President Jimmy Carter. Michael taught percussion for several Drum Corps in Massachusetts including the Boston Crusaders, Northstar, the Wilmington Crusaders and the Framingham Sharpshooters. He judged band and drum corps competitions nationwide. His book “Developing Corps Style Percussion” and numerous marching band percussion arrangements were published by Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation. Beginning in the 1990s Michael played with and/or instructed the Crusaders Senior Drum Corps, the Legends of Drum Corps and the Mass Brass mini corps. He toured Europe and performed with the Boston Pops, and for President Bill Clinton with the internationally renowned Middlesex County Volunteers Fife & Drum Corps. Michael was inducted into the Massachusetts Drum Corps and Music Educators Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Boston Crusaders Hall of Fame in 2015. Having been a Board of Directors member, staff member and contributor in many ways, he couldn’t have been more passionate about the Boston Crusader’s success. He was proud to see his daughter Lisa march with the Boston Crusaders and to have her continue his successful business Cahill & Daughters Insurance Agency Inc. His interests included history, crossword puzzles and rooting for the Patriots, but what meant the most to him were the close friends he had from all his years teaching, traveling and playing.

A memorial service will be held on October 24th. Contact close family or friends for details.