Philip R. McCabe Sr., 86, passed away peacefully at his Scituate residence on October 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 21, 1936, in Boston, MA, to the late John and Frances (Skelly) McCabe. Philip was raised in Roslindale and was a graduate of English High School in 1954 and Newman Preparatory in 1955. Upon graduation he then served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1958. Philip was stationed in Korea with the 24th infantry division and Ft. Lewis, Washington with the 4th infantry division.
Following his service in the United States Army, Philip attended Northeastern University. He was a graduate of the class of 1963, majoring in Psychology and Captain of the 1961 varsity football team which was coached by Joseph P. Zabilski, one of his mentors at Northeastern. He went on to earn his master's in Education in 1967. Philip was inducted into the Northeastern University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987.
Before his tenure at Northeastern, he taught Social Studies and coached football, wrestling and track at Milton High School from 1963 to 1967. During his time at Northeastern he worked in the Admissions office where he was promoted to Assistant Dean and then Dean of Admissions for 20 years. Philip finished his career at Northeastern University as the Chairman of Alumni Affairs where he led approximately 150,000 alumni. He was actively involved in various committees, including the 1988-1989 Presidential Nominating Council that nominated John A. Curry to become the fifth President and first Alumnus to be President.
In retirement, Philip remained active in several Northeastern volunteer endeavors. He was one of the founders of the Henry David Thoreau Society scholarship; he chaired the selection committee for the NOVA Biomedical scholarship grants and the NE Mechanical Contractors scholarship grants. Philip was a member of the Board of Directors for the National Football Foundation, Jack Grinold Eastern Massachusetts Chapter and the Selection Committee. He continued his involvement in scholarship programs and served on various committees. As a volunteer for South Shore Elder Services, he enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and being part of the Friendly Visitor Program.
Philip was an avid skier in his younger years and a lifelong player of golf. Often his foursome was made up of his brothers and long time friend Jim Moore. A yearly golf highlight was the McCabe Open which raised money for the Northeastern University McCabe Family Memorial Scholarship. He was a member of Widow's Walk Country Club and a participant in the Senior Men's league. In 2019 he was the Senior Men's Net Club Champion. Philip was a history buff and avid reader, known for his love of literature. He loved the ocean and spent many winters in Marco Island, Florida with his wife and daughters Beth Anne and Debra Lea. He enjoyed traveling the world on cruise ships with his wife and later on with his children and grandchildren. A big highlight was his 50th wedding anniversary where he took his entire family on a cruise.
Philip was married to his wife Beth for 63 years. They raised their four children in Pembroke, MA. He was a devoted member of St. Thecla's Church for 37 years. In retirement they resided in Scituate where he was a member of St. Mary's Church for 21 years.
Philip cherished his family, especially his four grandchildren. He was a proud grandfather and it meant everything to him to be present at every phase of their lives. Whether at the beach, or overnights at his home, spending quality time with his grandchildren meant everything to him. His commitment to family and love for life will be his lasting legacy.
Philip loved a good laugh, a great ice cream shop, and an extra dry Beefeater Gin martini with 3 olives.
He is survived by his beloved wife Beth (Bangs) McCabe and daughters Cathy (McCabe) Mallory & husband Richard G. of Braintree, MA; Beth Anne McCabe & companion Adam Markey of Pembroke, MA; Debra Lea McCabe & companion Walter Ahl (deceased) and son Philip McCabe Jr. & wife Marie (Castellano) McCabe of Chelmsford, MA. He was the beloved Grampa of R. Garrett Mallory Jr., Leanne C. Mallory, Caitlyn M. McCabe, Mitchell T. McCabe.
He was the loving brother of Francis McCabe (deceased) & Joyce McCabe of Walpole, MA, Stephen McCabe (deceased) & Lois McCabe (deceased) of Plymouth, MA, Martha (McCabe) Frawley of South Burlington, VT, Paul McCabe & wife Gail McCabe of Mattapoisett, MA, John McCabe (deceased) & Deborah McCabe of Grafton, MA and sister-in-law Virginia (Bangs) & Richard Lemoi of Biddiford, ME, brother-in-law Glenn & Martha Bangs of Dresden, ME and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home in Scituate, MA on Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 4-7pm. Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northeastern McCabe Family Memorial Scholarship. http://giving.northeastern.edu/live/profiles/mccabe-family-scholarship-fund
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