George M. McCabe

George Michael McCabe, 78, of Torrington, Ct died peacefully on. August 10, 2022.

George was born May 15, 1944, in Waterbury, CT, the son of George W. and Emeline (Ryan) McCabe.

A graduate of Croft High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Shippensburg State College, Shippensburg, PA, and a Master of Arts in Political and Social Science from The New School for Social Research, New York City. He was incredibly proud to see his granddaughter graduate from his alma mater, The New School, in May.

As a youth he studied drumming with Eddie Montano and played throughout Ct with Lou Masters, Dick Fuda, Rich Tamburini, and Nick Apollo Forte. He was a proud, life-time member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 186.

George began his work career at City of Waterbury, Department of Social Services. He then worked for State of Ct for 27 years as Social Worker in the Department of Children and Families, retiring as Supervisor. During this time, he was an active member of AFSME, eventually serving as President of Local 2663.

After retiring he worked for CT Council 4 AFSCME-AFL-CIO as Director of Operations-Assistant to the Executive Director. George also worked for Catholic Family Services, Torrington, CT. and at Bristol Hospital, as a Crisis Counselor in the Behavioral Health Unit.

A lifelong learner George enjoyed many classes at UCONN- OLLI in Waterbury and was a member of the Warner Theater Opera Guild.

Eclectic in his interests, he loved to travel and was famous among his friends for his extensive research on any area visited. He loved music, listened to jazz, alternative and opera, loved attending Seven Angels Theater, summer theater in the Berkshires and of course, Broadway.

With his intelligence, wit, and wide-ranging knowledge, he could talk to anybody about anything. He was interesting and was interested in others.

As one friend said, “When you talked to him, you felt seen.”

George is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years Elaine (Mollica) McCabe, his beloved daughter Maureen McCabe Woundy and her husband Thomas, his son in every sense of the word, from Marlboro, MA, and the light of his life, his granddaughter, Violet Mae McCabe Woundy, NYC. He is also survived by a brother Stephen McCabe and his wife Angel of Pawcatuck, CT; two sisters Carol Stenico and her husband, Richard, of Westfield, MA; Theresa Fortier and her husband Joseph of New Hartford, CT; as well as several nieces and nephews.

George will be greatly missed by his family and many friends who will remember him always and carry him in their hearts.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT. Relatives, and friends are requested to wear Hawaiian attire or bright colors as a way to honor George’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Rd., Waterbury, CT 06705 or to the Litchfield Jazz Festival Inc., P.O. Box 69, Litchfield, CT 06759.