Joseph Patrick McCabe

Joseph Patrick McCabe (Pat) entered into the arms of our Heavenly Father on Friday, September 19,

2025. Born in August 1932, Pat was the youngest of 7 children, born in the family home in Stonefort, IL

to Hugh and Iva McCabe. He spent his youth working on the family farm. During his youth some of his

older brothers served in WW2. He attended a one room school house where his eldest sister Ann was the

teacher for the school. He further attended and graduated from Carrier Mills High School. Pat had

voluntarily joined the Army during the Korean War where he served overseas in intelligence. After his

military service, Pat attended collage at the University of Southern Illinois and graduated with a Bachelor

of Science in Industrial Engineering. During this period he had met his future wife, Alice Zilch, from the

neighboring town of Ridgeway, IL.

On August 24, 1957, Pat McCabe married Alice Zilch in Ridgeway, Illinois. Just one year later their first

born daughter Theresa was born in 1958. Soon after, Tony was born in 1959, and Cathy in 1961. After

Cathy was born, Pat and Alice moved to California. Once in California, they welcomed Joe into the

family in 1963 and next came Cindy in 1965. 12 years later they had Lisa in 1976.

Alice and Pat settled in Diamond Bar, California in 1965, where they lived for over 50 years and attended

St. Dennis Church. Pat had a successful career in engineering where he initially worked in Aerospace

Research and Development He later became a Licensed Professional Fire Protection Engineer where he

worked until his retirement in 1993. Pat was known by many as an interesting person to talk to. He has

traveled the world and has lived life to the fullest. But, he also prided himself on the fact that he lived his

life in moderation and was a devout Catholic. Pat was know to be one who exercised regularly by

running, swimming, and working out at the gym up until his recent passing. Pat and Alice had enjoyed

over 20 years spending summers in their Grand Rivers, Kentucky property that was close to family and

old friends in Illinois. Pat lost his wife Alice on October 21, 2023. He spent the remainder of his life

building his faith by attending daily church mass services, participating in prayer groups, and helping to

guide others in their faith journey.

Pat is survived by his 6 children, 18 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Pat had a life full of faith,

family, and friends. He was a devoted Catholic, husband, father, and grandfather. His legacy will live on

through all of those who knew and loved him.