Donald P. McCabe, Sr. was the kind of man who was always there when someone needed him. Whether it meant fixing a problem, lending a helping hand, or simply showing up for someone he cared about, Donald never hesitated. His word meant something, and when he said he would do something, you could always count on him.
A graduate of Riverside High School, Class of 1955, Donald met the love of his life, Elaine, during those years. Together, they shared 69 wonderful years of marriage, building a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories. Donald never missed an opportunity to tell others how lucky he was to have such a beautiful wife, often proudly saying he had “got the prettiest girl.” It was a sentiment he carried with him throughout their life together.
Donald proudly served in the United States Air Force, spending time stationed in Germany and France in 1963. Earlier in his career, he worked for RCA. He and Elaine shared a love of traveling and enjoyed exploring the country together. For their 50th wedding anniversary, they celebrated with a trip to Hawaii. On another occasion, they decided on a whim to visit Alaska. They also traveled the Mormon Trail, making memories and enjoying life’s adventures along the way.
Their faith was an important part of their journey together. After joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Donald and Elaine shared the special experience of being sealed as a family in the Salt Lake City Temple with their sons, Donald and David. Their daughter, Connie, was later sealed to them in the Washington, D.C. Temple, and their son Patrick was born under the covenant. Their faith remained an important part of Donald’s life, and he was an active and devoted member of his church.
An animal lover at heart, Donald had a particular fondness for dogs and seemed to form a special bond with every one of them. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, airplanes, and classical music, finding happiness in the simple things that brought him joy.
Above all else, Donald was a family man. His wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the center of his world. To his grandchildren and great- grandchildren, he was lovingly known as Poppop, and some of his happiest memories were made spending time with them. He loved taking them to Ocean City, playing miniature golf, playing in his backyard, and the occasional fishing/canoeing adventure. For Donald, it was never really about the activity; it was about being together and making memories that would last a lifetime.
Donald is predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Myrtle McCabe, and his siblings, Dolores (Lewis) Ginn and Terrance (Bee) McCabe.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 69 years, Elaine; his children, Donald Jr. (Kim), David H. (Susan), Connie, and Patrick T. (Jill); his grandchildren, Donald III, Jessica (Jeremy), Shannon, David II, Cheyanne, and Lizzy; his great-grandchildren, Vincent, Adrianne, and Elijah; and his siblings, Betty (Jim) Kain and Katherine Gamble. He will also be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and dear friends.
Donald leaves behind a legacy of love, dependability, faith, and devotion to family. He will be remembered for always showing up, keeping his word, loving his beautiful bride, and making the most of every moment spent with those he loved. His family will forever cherish the memories, the laughter, and the many ways he showed them what it meant to be there for one another.
Please join the family in celebrating Donald’s 90 wonderful years on Friday, November 13th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 321 Bridgeboro Road, Moorestown, New Jersey. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Lakeview Memorial Park in Cinnaminson.
