John “Jack” Francis Cahalane, 72, of Pittsburgh, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
Born on September 21, 1953, in Staten Island New York, he was the oldest son of the late John F. and Mary Hamilton Cahalane.
Jack was a lifelong social worker who worked as a clinician and as an administrator. He completed undergraduate social work studies at Saint Francis University and received his master’s degree in Social Work from Catholic University.
He went on to complete a master’s degree in Public Health and his doctorate in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh.
He married Helen Elizabeth Grove on June 30, 1979.
Jack spent his career at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and was Chief of Adult Services before retiring in 2021 after 41 years.
Jack enjoyed biking, music, and traveling. He loved the outdoors. Jack was a long-time board member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and more recently joined the board of the Bird Bay Village Association in Venice, Florida where he had a second home.
Jack is survived by his wife of 46 years, Helen Cahalane of Pittsburgh, and siblings Thomas Cahalane, Susan Cahalane Cicalese, and Betsy Cahalane. He is also survived by nephews Michael Cicalese, James Cahalane, John Cicalese, and niece Carolyn Cicalese along with nephews Ryan and Jack Hess. Jack’s grandnephews and nieces are Oliver Cicalese, Ryder Hess, Juliet Cicalese and Stella Hess.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Fries Funeral Home in Mercersburg, PA with Father Augusty officiating.
There will be a visitation from 2 – 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.
Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to NAMI of Southwestern PA in Jack’s honor.
To send flowers to the family of John “Jack”, please visit the floral store.
