John Patrick McCabe

John Patrick McCabe of Creskill, NJ (formerly of Bergenfield, NJ), cherished husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, the day he and his beloved wife, Bernadette, marked their 57th wedding anniversary.

Born in Cattan, County Leitrim, Ireland, John was the son of the late Michael and Bridget McCabe. He is survived by his beloved wife, Bernadette; his four daughters who were the light of his life, Debbie, Kathleen, Tara, and Bernadette, and their husbands, Brendan Daly, Dana LaForge, Michael Kelly, and Bill Kelly; as well as his greatest joys, his grandchildren: Timothy, Tara, Colin, Megan, Paige, Katelyn, Michael, Liam, and Declan. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia McGovern of Mohill, County Leitrim, along with dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was predeceased by his parents; his five siblings, Bridget, Kathleen, Anne, Michael Joe, and Brian; his sisters-in-law, Maureen, Philomena, and Kathleen; and his brother-in-law, Francis.

John was raised in "Lovely Leitrim", where he graduated from Mohill Vocational School. He then worked for his sister at Kane’s Travel in County Longford, where he is still fondly remembered for driving many emigrants to the boat in Cobh, County Cork. His most memorable passenger, however, was the 18-year-old Bernadette McLaughlin of Tooman, County Leitrim, whom he drove as she departed for New York City. Before she left, John promised they would meet again the following New Year’s in New York, beginning a lifelong love story.

In 1962, John himself left Ireland and upon arriving in New York City, he lived on the Upper East Side of Manhattan with his brother and became a proud bus operator with the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority. He retired in 1986 after 22 years of service. John married Bernadette in 1968, and they lived in Woodside, Queens until 1984, when they moved to Bergenfield, NJ. John also enjoyed a long career with Dr. Henry Kaufman & Company, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring in 2020. In 2023, John and Bernadette then settled in Cresskill.

John, the consummate gentleman, is remembered warmly for his Irish charm, welcoming smile, great laugh, classic dance moves, pristine fashion, quick wit and especially for his nurturing loving ways and devout faith.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, September 25, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Riewerts Memorial Home, 187 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 26, at 12:00 PM at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church, 120 Monroe Avenue, Cresskill, NJ, followed by interment at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 10 Serpentine Road, Tenafly, NJ.

John's family wishes to thank the staff at Wellspring Village at Brightview Senior Living in Tenafly for their compassionate care in the final months of his life. Donations in John’s memory may be made to:

 Society of African Missions (Tenafly, NJ): https://smafathers.org/donations/home

Bergen County Saint Patrick's Day Parade https://www.bergencountyirish.org/donate

Family Promise of Bergen County: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E229824&id=1

May John’s beautiful soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in God’s loving peace.