Obituary
On brilliant, breezy day, Michael Rolfe McCabe’s brave battle against glioblastoma ended peacefully. Mike lived his life with family and friends at his side and that continued until his passing on Tuesday, December 12th, 2017 in The Villages, Florida.
Born on July 6, 1942 in Ogdensburg, New York, Mike graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and the State University of New York – Potsdam, at both schools he led winning basketball teams. Mike received a Master’s Degree from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY before working at Syracuse University. Soon after entering the education field, he became one of the youngest principals in New York State – serving at both Madrid and Waddington Elementary Schools. Mike spent the remainder of his career in elementary education, touching the lives of many teachers and thousands of children. He retired in 1999 after an eighteen-year tenure as Principal of Queensbury Elementary School in Queensbury, NY.
As a young man, Mike had a silky jump shot and a tendency to expose the wrath of the nuns of St. Mary’s. As a high school basketball referee, Mike easily controlled both the game and a packed gymnasium with the confidence of a seasoned judge. As an elementary school principal, his booming voice and 6’5” presence demanded attention from boisterous children. As a parent and grandparent, he was firm but loving. As a real estate agent, Mike naturally fell into the rhythms of sales. As a retiree in Saratoga Springs and The Villages, Mike made fast friends on the golf course and in local establishments, often watching his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Mike is survived by daughter Jessica of Queensbury; son Michael (Amanda) and three grandchildren (Quinn, 18; Christopher, 17; Avery, 11) in Wake Forest, NC; and Sandra, his devoted former wife of Queensbury. Mike leaves two brothers in Florida – Bob of Vero Beach and Donald of Fort Lauderdale. The man they called Jigger also leaves behind a group of lifelong friends including Dick Lapine, whose unfailing friendship and loyalty is most appreciated by Mike’s family.
Mike’s life will be celebrated during visitation from 5-7PM on Wednesday, December 27th at Regan, Denny, Stafford Funeral Home in Queensbury. On Thursday, December 28th, there will be a Eulogy and Memorial Mass beginning at 1:45PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Glens Falls. Mike’s final resting place will be with his parents, Mary and Rolfe, and other family members in Ogdensburg.
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