George Joseph McCabe, husband to Ellen Elizabeth McCabe, father to Patrick and Andrew McCabe, father-in-law to Barbra Jill McCabe, and grandfather to Kevin, Ryan, George and Maggie McCabe, passed away on October 3, 2024, after a long fight with Alzheimer's dementia.

George was the boss. From his earliest years in Greenpoint Brooklyn, through the heights of his legendary career as an automotive executive, to his time entertaining the grandkids in his backyard, George was always in charge. But somehow, in every position he held, from the new guy to the head of the company, from father, to grandfather, George earned the love and admiration of everyone he interacted with. George was smart, decisive and strategic in his business. And he was kind, loyal and generous to the people in his life. He loved people who loved what they did, and were great at it, no matter what that was. He did everything he could to encourage and develop people to use their passion for business, academics, sport, or whatever drove them, to help them reach their goals. George had high standards for himself, and he lived his life in a way that inspired and motivated others.

George was born in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, in 1941. His father, disabled from an accident he suffered while working on the Staten Island Ferry, died when George was young. His mother cleaned houses during the day, and office buildings at night, to provide for George and his sister. From an early age, his mother instilled in him a desire to excel, and to rise above his humble beginnings, without ever forgetting where he came from.

Shortly after graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School, George met the love of his life, Ellen Elizabeth Gibbons. They married on July 11, 1964. George worked during the day for companies like General Electric, and Chrysler Motors, while taking classes at St. John's University at night to earn his undergraduate business degree. In 1973, after a few years running a car dealership in Southampton, NY, George responded to a want-add in Automotive News seeking applicants for a job with a new import automobile company. He was hired by Mazda Motor of America as a district manager in New York. The work was hard, and sales were rare. But George worked tirelessly to build a dealer network for the burgeoning Japanese corporation. The 24 year adventure that followed saw him become one of the most influential executives in the car company's history, eventually retiring as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, in 1997. George was instrumental to the development and marketing of such legendary cars as the RX-7 and the Miata. He mentored legions of talented young employees, many of whom went on to distinguished careers across the automotive industry. A bold and decisive leader, George was able to drive the organization to reach its highest goals, without ever abandoning his kindness and appreciation for each team member.

During their lives together, George and Ellen lived in New York, Florida, California and New Jersey. They hosted Mazda dealer trips to England, France, Italy, Russia and other foreign locations. When George retired, they built their dream home in Amagansett, NY, where they enjoyed hosting their children and grandchildren. During those years, the Boss could be seen directing activities in the pool, the play gym, or leading walks down to the beach.

In 2011, George and Ellen moved to Virginia to be closer to their younger grandchildren. George and Ellen enjoyed many good years living in Aldie, VA, surrounded by family and friends. Sadly, George was diagnosed with Alzheimers, to which he ultimately succumbed. We are forever grateful to Ellen, and the many caregivers who treated George with love and kindness in his final years.

A private celebration of George's life is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024, in Ashburn, Virginia for family and local friends. George's many friends from around the country are invited to join the memorial via Zoom at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81684048905?pwd=KPb5NGkSUYxCaJ5sEhinYenvJMBEsq.1 If you would like to commemorate George's life, in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation