Jerald "Jerry" M. McCabe

July 21, 1943 - January 13, 2023

Retired Police Lieutenant Jerald "Jerry" Matt McCabe, age 79, of Watersmeet, MI passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, January 13 2023 after a long illness. He was born July 21st, 1943, in Chicago, IL to James and Dorothy (Rafferty) McCabe.

McCabe graduated from Mt. Carmel High School (61), where he was proudly a member of the state championship football team. He attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, where he received his degree in History in 1965.

Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served from 1968-1971. Following his service, Jerry began his law enforcement career with the City of Davenport Police Department in 1977, where he served for 26 years earning the rank of Lieutenant. He was a true mentor and friend to many Police Officers and other members of the Law Enforcement Community.

Ever the Irishman, he co founded the St. Patrick's Society of the Quad Cities USA in 1985. He proudly marched in the first Quad City St. Patrick's Day parade, his very favorite holiday, in 1986.

Jerry was lucky enough to find his own heaven on earth, and after retirement, moved permanently to Watersmeet, MI, where he built his own cottage in the woods. He loved to host friends at the lake.

He was preceded in death by James and Dorothy McCabe (parents), Jimmy McCabe (brother), Judith Ann Hillgard (sister) and Curtis Z. Shinneman, grandson.

Many will miss his wonderful stories, including his daughter Melissa (Curt) Shinneman, Mindy McCabe, and Meghan (Charles) Cote, grandchildren Charlie and Julia Shinneman, Teddy and Henry Cote, and great grandchildren Evelyn, Anders and Bodhi Shinneman.

There will be a small Celebration of Life ceremony at his lake house on Cloverleaf Lake in Watersmeet MI in July.

If you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough.

Published by Quad-City Times on Jan. 22, 2023.