Thomas Morrow McCabe, of Milford, formerly of Natick, South Florida, and originally Wellesley, passed away on July 28, 2026. Born on Dec. 8, 1937, he was the son of the late A. Raymond and Marion (Morrow) McCabe. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Ann Jayne (Sigalove) McCabe, with whom he shared a beautiful life.
Raised in the Cliff Estates of Wellesley, Tom was a spirited and athletic young man who excelled in hockey, baseball, and rollerskating. He graduated from Gamaliel Bradford High School before joining the family business and later serving in the Army Reserve, entering through Fort Eustis, Va.
Tom began his long and distinguished firefighting career in Needham before joining the Natick Fire Department, where he served proudly for 28 years. He was honored as the town’s first tiller driver on Engine 1 and trained many firefighters who followed in his footsteps. His dedication to his department extended beyond the firehouse—he was elected firefighter union president without ever campaigning, a testament to his energy, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his fellow firefighters.
Never one to sit still, Tom filled his days off with work and joy. He delivered flowers for Morrison Florists, raced stock cars, water-skied on White Island Pond, coached Farm League and Little League baseball, and served as an assistant coach for local hockey teams. Known for his humor and big heart, he delighted the community by dressing as a hobo for Natick’s Fourth of July parade, Santa Claus at Christmas, and even Smokey Bear.
Family time was everything to Tom. He cherished vacations in Wareham and Cape Cod, but his most treasured trip was traveling with his son Mark, a Petty Officer First Class, aboard the USS Kitty Hawk from Pearl Harbor to San Diego. As his children grew, he devoted himself to community service, serving as a Recreation commissioner, staying active in the Elks, and volunteering for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual boot drive.
After retirement, Tom and his beloved Ann Jayne moved to South Florida, where they spent 27 blissful years together enjoying sports, NASCAR, the Elks, temple, golf, and travel. No matter how far they roamed, they never missed a Fourth of July up north, returning each year to celebrate with loved ones.
Tom leaves behind his loving son, Mark T. McCabe and his wife, Rita; his adoring daughter, Laura J. BonTempo and her husband, Noel; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and his stepchildren, Michael, Mark, and Lisa Chase.
He was predeceased by his son, Robert D. McCabe, as well as all four of his brothers: David E. McCabe, Raymond W. McCabe, William E. McCabe, and Robert G. McCabe.
Tom McCabe lived a life defined by service, humor, loyalty, and love. His legacy endures in the countless lives he touched—family, friends, firefighters, and community members who will forever remember his generosity of spirit and unmistakable presence.
Services
A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Framingham-Natick Hebrew Cemetery.
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