Gerard ‘Jerry’ McCabe, 86, Beloved
Husband, Father, Grandfather, Coach
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gerard M. McCabe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, coach and cherished member of his community. Gerard, known as “Jerry,” passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service to his family, friends, community and country.
Jerry was born on June 16, 1938, in Jersey City, N.J., to Harry and Catherine McCabe. He was one of seven children, and though he was the last surviving member of his siblings, he carried the memory and spirit of his family throughout his life. Gerard attended St. Aloysius Elementary School and high school in Jersey City, where he excelled in both basketball and track. This experience would continue to shape his life and his passion for coaching. Upon graduating high school in 1956, Jerry began his professional career working for Western Electric in New York City. In 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Augsburg, Germany, for 18 months. In 1962, he married his beloved wife, Linda DiNezza, and settled in Hazlet, N.J. While working at Western Electric, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University. Six years later, Jerry and Linda moved to Westfield, N.J., and raised their four children, Gerard, Jr., Timothy, Maureen and Michael.
In 1970, Jerry made the bold decision to leave the world of computers and transition into carpentry. His career in carpentry spanned 32 years from self-employment to his retirement with 20 years at the U.S Postal Service in Newark, N.J. He was very proud of his service there.
Jerry was a dedicated and passionate volunteer, especially when it came to his children’s education and athletics. In 1972, he began coaching basketball at Holy Trinity Elementary School in Westfield, N.J. In 1974, Jerry introduced cross country and track and field to the school. The program created an environment that allowed all children, regardless of skill level, to participate. With over 100 children involved, the team became a cornerstone of the school’s athletic program. In total, his coaching career spanned 23 years.
Together with his wife, Linda, Jerry served as the Director of Athletics, where he helped build a competitive and inclusive athletics program. Jerry’s efforts were instrumental in the growth of the school’s culture. Jerry’s and Linda’s work at Holy Trinity helped form lifetime friendships with many in the school community. In addition to his family and coaching, Jerry was a member of the Westfield Knights of Columbus and volunteered with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He was active with the home and school association and was involved in the effort to preserve Holy Trinity High School when it closed. Jerry’s love for his faith and his community was evident in his ongoing service.
After retiring, Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his nine grandchildren, who he adored. He also became heavily involved at the South Amboy Boat Club, where he kept his boat and held various leadership roles, including Chaplain, Rear Commodore, and Trustee. His love for the water and his family kept him engaged and active in his retirement years. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Catherine McCabe, and his six siblings: Harry, John, James, Joseph, Catherine and Sr. Maureen Cordis. He is survived by his hero and loving wife of 62 years, Linda; their four children, Gerard McCabe, Jr. (Jacqueline), Timothy McCabe, Maureen Wusaty (Mark) and Michael McCabe (Mary), and nine grandchildren, Christopher, Liam, Brendan, Megan, Andrew, Nicole, Amanda, Brian and Kelly. His children and grandchildren will continue to carry his memory and legacy of love, service, and dedication in their own lives, and he will be dearly missed by all who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to: Holy Trinity School, 336 First Street, Westfield, N.J. 07090.
Sisters of Charity, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, N.J. 07961.
Jerry’s family expresses deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.
A viewing will be held today, Thursday, January 9, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Dooley Colonial Home in Westfield, N.J. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 10, at 10 a.m., at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Westfield, N.J. Burial will follow at a later date at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Cemetery in Wrightstown, N.J.
“He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept his faith” – 2 Timothy 4:7.
January 9, 2025
