Brian J. McCabe

McCabe, Brian J.
ALBANY - Our beloved Brian J. McCabe died Tuesday night, January 20, 2026, just a few days shy of his 79th birthday. He died peacefully at St. Peter's Hospital. He was diagnosed with cancer a year ago, and fought courageously through every setback that came his way. The cancer treatments he received were effectively holding his cancer at bay, but couldn't continue after his fall and related fractures in October.
Born January 25, 1947, in Jersey City, N.J., he was the son of the late William and Mary (Gallagher) McCabe. His mother, Mary, having died at a young age, the late Agnes Norman McCabe became his stepmother. He loved them all.
Brian grew up in Avon by the Sea, N.J., where he began his love of the shore. He later moved to Franklin Lakes, N.J., and attended Ramapo High School. He received his Bachelor's degree at Siena College (University), where he met his lifelong friends from the Class of '68. He spent two years in the army in El Paso during the Vietnam War, earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Returning from service to his country, he went to SUNY Albany for his Master's degree in Social Work, later earning clinical licensure.
Brian was a Professor in the Human Services Department at Hudson Valley Community College for nearly 40 years. He started the Chemical Dependency Program there, developed its curriculum and field placements, and is credited with preparing highly qualified staff for addictions recovery treatment in our surrounding community.
We can tell you that he earned a Lifetime Achievement Award and the SUNY President's and Chancellor's Awards, but he was modest about those, though deeply grateful for the recognition. At his retirement gathering, the HVCC auditorium was packed by those wanting to honor him at his "Last Class." He was a major force in the addictions recovery field, in the lives of his students and colleagues, and in the growth of the community he served. Brian also touched the lives of those he served in his therapy practice, reaching beyond serving the recovery field to individuals, couples and families in need. He cared deeply for them and they in turn benefited from his compassion, wisdom, and down to earth treatment approach.
Brian met Gail during his years at Siena. He became her best friend and beloved husband, married for over 54 years, grateful for having found one another. Gail says, "thank you, dear Brian, for loving me the way you did."
Brian leaves behind his three beloved daughters and sons, Jess (Karl) Johnson, Libby (Scott) Nowakowski, and Carrie (Matt Griffiths) McCabe; and his cherished grandchildren, Molly Johnson, Kai Johnson, Mickey Nowakowski, Wes Previtera, and Archie Nowakowski. He joyfully loved being their Dad and Pop and they in turn loved him deeply. He was sad to leave them. Please say a prayer to help them through this devastating loss.
Brian is survived by his dearly loved brothers and sisters, Bill (Anne) McCabe, Maryellen (John) Heuer, James McCabe, and Anne (Eric) Nordell; and dear sisters-in-law, MaryAnn Frering and Margie Groark. He is also survived by his beloved aunt, Jackie Gallagher, and by his cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and cousins, each holding a special place in his heart.
He was predeceased by his beloved parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles; and his dear brother, David McCabe; brother-in-law, Donald Frering; and sister and brother-in-law, Maureen and Eddie Rhatigan.
Brian was blessed to have his much loved and lifelong friends, with whom he shares beautiful bonds and memories of times well spent together. He cherished those friendships, and dearly loved you.
We want to thank all the medical staff who helped Brian through this year of triumphs and setbacks, with special note to Oncologist, Dr. Luyun, and oncology nurse, Liz, infusion nurse, Carolyn Whittaker, and assistant, Frank (whom Brian called Mike), St Peter's hospital staff, especially those on the 5th floor, where Brian spent the most time in recent weeks, Primary Care Richard Clark, and his staff, and Oncologist Dr. Pintova, at Mt. Sinai in NYC. Their care was brilliant, compassionate, and devoted. Thank you to the receptionists, nurses, and therapists at Eddy Visiting Nurse Association, Albany Visiting Nurse Association, and Sunnyview Rehab Center, who worked so hard and devotedly to help him recover. A heartfelt thank you as well to his home caretakers, Faith Ward, Ny Youman, Roberta Cain, Mary Marae, and Billie Jo D'Angelo, who treated Brian with skill, love, and gentle care. A special shout out to the remarkable parking valets at St. Peter's Hospital, who served us with steady care and compassion throughout the long year of treatment, helping Brian in and out of the car with all his tubes and equipment.
Brian was an extraordinary man who loved his family and friends, and served his community. His laughter will always ring on in our hearts. We only wish we could hear it again.
Funeral services, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel, at Siena University, Loudonville, N.Y. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Brian's family prior to the Mass, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, N.Y., Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 1 p.m.
To leave a message for the family, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com
For those wishing to make a donation in Brian's memory, the family requests it be given to "The Spirit of '68 Fund," at Development Office, Siena University, 515 Loudon Rd., Loudonville, N.Y. 12211. The fund supports Franciscan values.