Two candidates are seeking the office of McKean County coroner in the general election, incumbent, Republican Michael Cahill and challenger, Democrat Jeffrey M. Carson.
Cahill was raised and educated in Bradford, attending St. Bernard Elementary School, Bradford Central Christian High School, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and graduating from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.
After graduating from college, he returned to Bradford in 1984 and served his internship under his father’s supervision at the Francis D. Cahill Funeral Home. From 1985 to 1993, he served as a director at the Cahill Funeral Home and later at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. He became a partner in the firm of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes in 1993, and currently owns and operates Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
From 1986 until 2003, he served as deputy coroner under then Coroner Francis D. Cahill. He was elected coroner in 2003.
He resides in Bradford, with his wife of 33 years, Mimi Zetts Cahill.
A native of McKean County and graduate of Bradford Area High School, Carson holds a degree in political science and communications from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh as well as a degree in funeral directing and embalming from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.
Carson is a licensed funeral director in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and owns and operates Carson Services LLC, providing assistance to funeral directors throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Prior to becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer, Carson worked in both institutional and retail pharmacies. From this experience, Carson acquired an extensive knowledge of drug actions in the body. This, along with his mortuary science education and experience gives him the skill set necessary to effectively carry out the duties of coroner.
Said Carson, “I am pleased that the voters of McKean County are now given a choice in the general election. The office of coroner should be returned to the county and not be an extension of a local funeral home.”
Carson serves as president of the board of directors of Evergreen Elm Inc., and is chair of both its finance and personnel committees. He also serves on the Bradford Hospital Auxiliary board of directors.
Carson lives in Bradford Township, with his husband, Damian Sipko and their three dogs, Liam, Drake and Luke.
