Eugene Howard McCabe

Canandaigua – Eugene Howard McCabe, age 92, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. He is survived by two children, Shawn (Christine) McCabe and Tracy (Casey) Finnerty; two grandchildren, Erik Murray and Grace Finnerty; and son-in-law, Rich Quinn. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Kaethe G. McCabe in 2023; and daughter, Karen Quinn in 2013.

Gene was born and raised in Malone, NY and was the son of Howard and Vivian (Dumont) McCabe. He was a graduate of Watertown High School, class of 1951 and earned an associate's degree from Albany Business College, where he met his wife, Kaethe. During the Korean War, Gene served in the US Army, where he was stationed in West Germany. Gene and Kaethe lived in several towns in the Finger Lakes as they raised their family, eventually settling in Canandaigua. He was an Auditor at Agway for 40 years, retiring in 1998. Gene was an active parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Canandaigua and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Gene was a faithful supporter of Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua, where he volunteered for decades as the librarian and served as coordinator and tireless recruiter for dozens of mens' retreats, attending 55 retreats himself. Gene was a board member and coordinator of the Queen of Peace Apostolate. He was an avid reader and lifelong student of the Catholic faith and a gifted storyteller. He enjoyed stamp collecting, swimming in Canandaigua Lake and vacationing in the Adirondacks with his family. Gene made many friends at Notre Dame and St. Mary's and among his neighbors, and his family is deeply grateful for the kindness, assistance, and friendship they returned over the years. His family is also grateful for the caregivers who helped Gene to remain in his home until this year, including the Meals on Wheels volunteers. He will be remembered for his enthusiastic faith, his gentleness, his easy smile, and his favorite words: truth, beauty, and goodness.

Friends may call Friday, September 26, from 5-7 pm, at Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., 47 N. Main St., Canandaigua. His funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, September 27, at 1:30 pm, at St. Mary's Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Notre Dame Retreat House, 5151 Foster Rd., Canandaigua, NY 14424. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.