Michael Phillip McCabe

Michael (Mike) Phillip McCabe, 64, lived life exactly the way he wanted, with hard work, quiet devotion, and an unwavering love for his family. Those who knew him best will remember a man whose kindness was shown through his actions, the everyday care he gave, and the dependable presence he offered.

Born on April 26, 1962, to Linda Reiser McCabe in Erie County, New York, Mike never forgot where he came from. He remained a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres and carried his love for New York wherever life took him.

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Jean Linnartz McCabe (Margie), and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. They shared 46 years of marriage and raised three children: Brandi, Kris (Alison), and Lacey. After many years in New Jersey, they followed Kris to North Carolina, where Mike landed what he considered his dream job, combining two of his greatest passions, cooking and NASCAR, as head chef at Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Mike enjoyed woodworking in his retirement, and he and Margie handcrafted Red Suit Entertainment's very first Santa chairs. Last Christmas, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming Santa himself for the first time, bringing joy to countless children and families.

Nothing brought Mike greater happiness than spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, Maryn, Aiden, Ava, Riggins, and Jax. Whether he was taking them fishing, cheering from the sidelines, watching NASCAR, rooting for the Buffalo Bills, or heading to another Blackberry Smoke concert, those were the moments he treasured most. His love for the band ran so deep that he proudly had one of their signatures tattooed on his arm.

Mike was a proud Republican, a firm believer in the Second Amendment, a dedicated supporter of President Donald Trump, and a faithful Fox News viewer. His convictions were simply part of who he was, alongside his love of family, fishing, Buffalo sports, NASCAR, and good music.

Shortly after celebrating his 64th birthday, Mike suffered a massive stroke. Although his family wishes they could have had many more years with him, they remain deeply grateful for the precious time God gave them before He called Mike home on July 13, 2026. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Jean Linnartz McCabe of Statesville, North Carolina; his mother, Linda Jean Reiser McCabe; his son, Kris McCabe (Alison) of Huntersville, North Carolina; his daughters, Brandi Porcelli and Lacey McCabe, both of Statesville, North Carolina; his brother, Eugene McCabe (Wendy) of Wasilla, Alaska; and his cherished grandchildren, Maryn, Aiden, Ava, Riggins, and Jax. He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Henry McCabe.

A Memorial Service will be held at Troutman First United Methodist Church, 204 Mills Avenue, Troutman, North Carolina 28166, on July 31, 2026. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, with the service beginning at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023 or online at https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gift.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Mike worked hard, loved deeply, stayed true to himself, and left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He will forever be a part of the soundtrack of our lives.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. McCabe and his family.