Harold Joseph "Pat" McCabe Jr.'s Obituary
Harold Joseph “Pat” McCabe, Jr., age 92, of Mandeville, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025. He was born on October 21, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He is survived by his children, Keith McCabe (Terry) and Karen Gunther (Richard); grandchildren, Garrett McCabe, Ryan Gunther (Sarah), Kevin McCabe (Michelle), and Katie Gremillion (Marc); four great-grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.
Harold was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Joyce Engelbracht McCabe; his parents, Harold Joseph McCabe Sr. and Myrtle Cecile Clew and his sister, Velma Caronna; his stepmother, Edna Springman Bokenfohr McCabe and his stepsister, EdnaMae Bokenfohr Bourgeois.
He was a talented athlete who played both basketball and baseball at St Henry’s, St Henry’s CYO, and Redemptorist where he was awarded many medals and played with and against many New Orleans icons of basketball and baseball of that time. He enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War and served for a total of 8 years, including inactive duty. His successful career began as a salesman in the lumber business, originally being employed by U.S. Plywood in New Orleans. He and his wife were transferred around the country and enjoyed many adventures through his employment with Champion International and Georgia Pacific. He served as VP in the Corporate Office of Champion International. After 25 years away from home, he retired and returned to their home state of Louisiana. Upon retirement, many happy memories were made on Pensacola Beach at their family condo. This made it possible for them to be with their grandchildren regularly, who were the absolute light of their lives. The title and role of “Gramps” was a very important one to him because he was a fantastic and loving grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed working outside in his yard and being outside to socialize with his neighbors and the neighborhood children who know him as “Mr. Pat”.
Harold was a hard worker, a great husband and father, who sacrificed a lot to make a good home for his family. He spent the first years of his career traveling and was away from home a great deal. Joyce was the absolute love of his life. They met on Mardi Gras Day at F & M Bar while with their families. They eloped a couple of years later and had a wonderful life together. He was his wife’s devoted caregiver for many years and has been broken hearted since she passed away a year ago.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. McCabe may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/donate, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in the adjacent Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. McCabe’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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