Bernard McCABE

McCABE, Bernard Joseph Jr. "Bernie" 73, passed away from heart failure January 1, 2021. He was born and raised in Mt. Dora, Florida, attended Stetson University and Stetson University College of Law, graduating cum laude. He then started his career as an Assistant State Attorney and dedicated his life to serving the people of Florida for 48 years. Bernie was elected to the office of State Attorney of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in 1992, when his much-admired boss, Jimmy Russell, retired. Bernie was subsequently reelected for seven more terms without opposition. He was always proud of the lawyers and staff, especially Chief Assistant State Attorney Bruce Bartlettwith, whom he worked. Together they continued and grew an office of justice and integrity. Bernie was passionate about and supported juvenile diversion programs and always wanted to encourage children to view law and order in a positive light and to channel them away from the criminal justice system. He also supported Sheriff Bob Gualtieri's move to start a similar program for adults accused of minor crimes. Bernie was proud that he had a positive and productive relationship with our Public Defender Bob Dillinger, which few other state attorneys enjoy. Bernie always asked, "What's the right thing to do here?" whether he was dealing with criminals, drug addicts, juveniles, or veterans. Bernie was an adjunct professor and on the Board of Overseers at Stetson University College of Law. He also served as president of the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association and was on the boards of the YMCA of the Suncoast, the Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board, and many others. Bernie was chair of the Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council and the Pinellas County Substance Abuse Advisory Board. He was also a member of the Gold Shield Foundation. Bernie was a member of the Stetson University College of Law Hall of Fame and received the Inns of Court Barney Award, the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Ben Franklin Award, and others. Bernie was a huge sports fan, recalling details from long-ago and relatively insignificant games of all flavors. He attended many seasons of Florida Gators football games as a child and 37 more as an adult, and starting in the '70s, he had season tickets to the Bucs games. Bernie also loved to travel. One of his favorite pastimes was going on cruises, enjoying the months of planning almost as much as the actual trips. When his children were young, he organized vacations that were both fun and educational. Much to his family's delight, Bernie was also an excellent cook. Bernie was predeceased by his father, Bernard, who was Superintendent of Schools in Lake County, and his mother, Virginia, who was a life master bridge player and a fabulous cook. He is survived by his wife, Denise; his daughter, Jennifer; his son, Patrick; his sister, Virginia Pounds (David); brother, Thomas McCabe (Kimberly); brother-in-law, William Poulos (Judith Ann); sister-in-law, Janet Hagan (Michael); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Vincent House, 4801 78th Avenue N., Pinellas Park, FL 33781, or YMCA of the Suncoast, 2469 Enterprise Rd., Clearwater, FL 33763. The family is planning a private burial.