Christopher Cashimere

Olean- Christopher Cashimere “Loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, nephew & cousin”

Christopher (Chris) Cashimere of 2649 McCann Hollow Road passed away on November 9, 2023, at the Buffalo VA after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born September 19, 1962, in Olean, he was the son of Paul and Margaret (Peggy) Cashimere, also of Olean. He was married to Mary Jo (Robak) Cashimere for 42 years, who survives.

Chris was a 1981 graduate of Archbishop Walsh High School and shortly after married the love of his life, Mary Jo. He joined the United States Air Force in March of 1982 and served as a fuel system maintenance mechanic for over 12 years. After the service he worked privately as a military mechanic in Saudi Arabia for almost 3 years. In 1997, he returned to his hometown of Olean, and worked for Mazza Sheet Metal, then purchased Business Interiors which he ran, along with his own countertop business, until 2023. He had a steady business with many local clients and was known for his work ethic, dependability, reliability and honesty. And he was ready and willing to help his extended family with their carpentry needs, too.

He spent his spare time watching his western NY sports teams, spending time with his grandson Elliott, weekend trips with his wife, hunting, classic rock music, going to concerts with his older brother Donald, and throwing a good barbeque for family.

He enjoyed making furniture, always up for the challenge of a new project and he will be remembered for this special talent. He also loved animals and had many pets over the years. And whether he liked it or not, was the first call anyone made when something needed to be fixed! He unfailingly showed up with a smile and his tools, muttering about our ignorance on such matters.

He will especially be remembered for his amazing fight against pancreatic cancer. He was a “miracle patient” to his medical teams, surviving for many years beyond their predictions. He was a true fighter - courageous, persistent and positive – despite the odds being stacked against him. When most people would have given up, he kept fighting. He inspired us all with his strength and resiliency and because of that, we were able to enjoy and appreciate him for more years than we thought.   

“Courage is NOT having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” ~Theodore Roosevelt

In addition to his wife, Chris is survived by his mother Peggy Cashimere of Olean; two sons, Christoper and Gregory of Olean; a grandson Elliott of Port Alleghany, PA; four brothers Donald (Terrie) Cashimere of Endwell, Michael (Lori) of Coppell, TX, Timothy (Kristina) of Olean, and William (Jessica), also of Olean; a sister Susan (Greg) Byrnes of Geneseo; many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins. Chris was predeceased by his father, Paul Cashimere.

As per Chris’s request there will not be any public services. But a Celebration of Life Gathering for Friends & Family will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 1:00-4:00pm at the Pulaski Club at 1104 N. Union Street.  Burial will be on St. Bonaventure Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 Ritual Team.  Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.