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Owen McCabe Obituary
Owen Michael McCabe , 78, passed away Sunday February 5th 2023 at the Center for Hope Hospice.
Owen was born in Newark, NJ and raised in South Orange, NJ, graduated from Essex Catholic High School in 1962 and served his country proud in the US Coast Guard from 1965 to 1970.
In 1971, Owen “Mike” was hired as a Patrolman for the Westfield Police Department. He graduated from the New Jersey State Police Municipal Academy and earned an Associate in Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Union College. Over his more than 26 plus year career, he served in a variety of roles as Detective Second Grade, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Captain and retired as Deputy Chief. Throughout his illustrious career, he was awarded several commendations including Medal of Valor and Medal of Merit. He worked closely with the residents of Westfield as the Coordinator for the Neighborhood Watch Program and Safety Enhancement Program. He served as former President of the Westfield Police Athletic League and former secretary of the Westfield Local No. 90 of the Policemen’s Benevolent Association. After retirement from the Westfield Police Department, Owen worked a decade at the Connell Company in security.
Owen, known as Mike, to many of his friends, cherished his friendships, faith and most importantly his family. He was married to his devoted wife Judith for 54 years and was cherished by his daughter, Colleen, son-in-law, Jeff and granddaughter, Emmy. He dedicated his life in service to others as a volunteer with foods banks and The American Legion. He was a long time parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Scotch Plains and Saint Aloysius in Jackson. He was a lover of all sports and the biggest fan of his granddaughter Emmy who runs for Union Catholic.
Owen is survived by his wife, Judie; daughter Colleen and husband Jeff O’Hearn; granddaughter, Emmy; sisters Angel and husband George Germann, Patricia and husband Mike Barrett, Mary and husband Bob Manning; and numerous cousins. Owen was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Jim.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 10th, 2023 from 4-7pm at the Rossi Funeral Home 1937 Westfield Avenue Scotch Plains. A Funeral Mass will Celebrated on Saturday, February 11th, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Scotch Plains at 10:00 AM. Private Burial will follow for immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
IHM Food Pantry
https://ihmparish.net/food-pantry
The Center for Hope Hospice
11 Entries
John Mele
September 16, 2025
Owen and I went to Catholic grammar school together for nine years and then we parted ways after graduating but still were very good friends in high school . I practically lived in his house on Coudert Place , South Orange , and his very kind , accomodating mother kept me alive and well nourished , for several years with the great sandwiches she used to make .
Rest in peace , Owen , you were a good friend and we had many good , innocent times , together .
John Mele
September 16, 2025
One of my best friends in high school .We both entered the armed forces about the same time , Owen to the Coast Guard , and me to the Army .
Being a Coast guard M.P. led to Owen's employment as a cop with the Westfield police .
Rest in peace , my friend .
Wayne Patrick
May 28, 2023
My condolences to the McCabe family. We were classmates at Essex and had our graduation at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark. A couple of years later, in the winter of 65, we were in the same barracks at Coast Guard boot camp in Cape May. I was in "Bravo' company and Owen was two companies behind in 'Delta' company. Delta had the misfortune of being on the second deck- which meant they always got to run twice as much as my company. We would often pass each other at double time, and I recall always seeing Owen with the slightest of smiles all through those very cold, windy days. He was a true comrade. My prayers are with him. God bless to all.
Rich Feeley
April 12, 2023
I’m sorry to hear about Owen’s passing. We grew up together in South Orange, and played many baseball games together as kids. He and I were in the same graduating class at Our Lady Of Sorrows school (58).
I remember him as one of the good guys I crossed paths with in life; a fellow Irishman.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Rest easy old friend.
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Robert & Kerry Manning
February 11, 2023
Uncle O was a great all around guy. I loved talking sports with him and appreciated that he took the time to come to some of my college track meets. I enjoyed listening to his stories of serving on the police force. I remember celebrating Easter holidays at their house, visiting the Ocean Grove house and watching Seton Hall basketball as a family. He will be missed but never forgotten. Our prayers and sympathy go out to Aunt Judy, Colleen, Jeff and Emmy.
Chuck Archdeacon
February 9, 2023
This world will miss Mike McCabe. He was the person who cared about everyone and took the time to show it. He is with God now and at peace. He will not be forgotten by all the people he helped including me. Mike and his family are in our prayers.
Jeffrey Matlin
February 8, 2023
"Mike", May you be at peace. I will forever cherish our friendship. You were more than a friend, you were my brother. I will miss you daily. Until Valhalla.
Patrick McGoohan
February 8, 2023
RIP Owen! As a brother in American Legion Post 504 my prayers are sent for you and your family! You were always a gentleman and a caring person!
Barry Kakos
February 7, 2023
Owen was a true "gentleman", who would do anything for family, friends or anyone. I got to know Owen through our American Legion Jackson post...we worked side-by-side on numerous projects, always with a smile on his face. His love of Country was only surpassed by his love of his family and his God. Truly, the adage "The life of those who have been faithful to Thee, Lord, is but changed, not ended" applies to Owen.
Rest in Peace, my friend--"Mission Accomplished".
John L. White
February 7, 2023
Owen was a kind and gentle soul and was my friend. I will miss him. He gave 100% to the American Legion and believed strongly in his faith. Owen has closed his eyes to this world and has opened them in paradise. He took a long walk through his illness with God and God has taken him home. I will pray for the repose of his soul.
John Bambrick
February 7, 2023
Owen was a wonderful, faithful and caring man. He left the world a better place by his presence. May you all have an abiding sense of peace after his long illness. Owen knew and loved the Lord in this life and is sure to have a place at the banquet feast of heaven. Condolences on behalf of St. Aloysius Church in Jackson and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
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1937 Westfield Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
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