Kurt Brian McCabe

Kurt was born in Richmond, Virginia, on May 17, 1966, the last of seven children born to John Collins McCabe and Betty Richart McCabe. His profuse white-blonde hair prompted the delivery nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital to dub him “cotton top.” He was five years younger than his nearest sibling, and as the “baby brother” charmed not only his family, but his neighbors as well, who gifted Kurt with a Big Wheel and a Sesame Street album.

Kurt attended St. Bridget School through 8th grade and attended Douglas Freeman High School. He also attended J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Parham Campus and was elected president of the student art club, despite not being enrolled in any art classes; what a testament to his charisma!

As a young man, Kurt was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. He met the challenges of living as a neurodiverse person with grace and courage. Medications helped him control symptoms. After occupational training at Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville, Virginia, he worked at Hermitage Enterprises in Richmond for several years. Kurt was always kind to his fellow workers and well regarded by them. After several years, Kurt’s increasing challenges rendered him unable to continue regular work.

He appeared to be a big “mountain man” with long hair and a bushy beard, but his tender eyes and smile that welcomed everyone revealed his true teddy bear nature. As his parents aged, Kurt was a blessing by living with them and helping carry out household tasks. After his father’s death and his mother’s decline in health, Kurt lived in a group home for several years and proudly lived in his own apartment for the last year, which he decorated in his favorite theme: year-round Halloween!

Kurt was well read and had a keen interest in history, especially religious history and Catholic mysticism. He was a devout Catholic and over the years attended Mass at several churches in the Richmond area including St. Bridget Church, St. Joseph’s Latin Rite Church, Our Lady of Lourdes, and St. Mary’s Hospital Chapel. He joyfully took on the role of lighting the altar candles before daily mass at St. Mary’s. His presence and devotion will be missed there.

At family reunions on the York River planned by his brother John, Kurt was a favorite uncle among his many nieces and nephews. His humor was exceeded only by his kindness. He enjoyed joining his family for adventures in Jamestown and Williamsburg. Closer to home, he appreciated festivals including Richmond Celtic Games and visits to museums and historic sites including Tredegar, Maymont, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Kurt liked to be with people to make them laugh and brighten their day. He was a gentle soul with a kind heart who brought the light of God’s love to all who crossed his path, whether neighbor, long-time friend, retail clerk, or family.

In addition to his parents, Kurt is predeceased by sisters Jeanne and Janet. He leaves behind brothers John (Karen) and Kevin, sisters Claire (Gregg Morris) and Deirdre Turner (Sonny), also nephews Bijan Khalatbari (Kristen), Arman Khalatbari, Logan, nieces Margot, Lauren Miller (Brian), Jessie, Grayson and Emily Turner, Kristin Bradley (Jeff), great nephews Aidan, Harrison, Gabe, Jack Khalatbari, Jake Bradley, and great nieces Simone and Esme Miller, Vivi, Collins and Riley Khalatbari, and Kerry Bradley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bridget Church, 6006 Three Chopt Road, at 12 noon on Tuesday October 21. Interment will be at Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 8200 Woodman Road, Henrico