William Owen McCabe

Colonel William O. McCabe was a cherished husband, father, and friend who passed away on April 30, 2023, at age 81. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Geraldine; his children, Richard, Jim, and Heather; and his brother, Joseph McCabe.

Bill McCabe was a dedicated optimist who had a zest for life. His unconquerable can-do spirit propelled him through a life of achievement and discovery. He was a highly decorated U.S. Air Force war veteran in Vietnam, pilot, and military strategist who never ceased wanting to accomplish more. His enthusiasm for helping others, both professionally and personally, resulted in many long-lasting friendships with peers around the globe.

Military service was in his blood. As the first child of Charles and Mildred McCabe, Bill grew up as a U.S. Army brat, living in far-flung locations such as Japan and Germany during U.S. occupation following World War II. His siblings Carol, Joe, and Sue followed.

Bill attended college at the University of Maryland campus in Munich before transferring to Brooklyn College, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. A few years later, he received his Master’s degree in Industrial Guidance from Troy University in Alabama.

In 1961, he and Geraldine Schalda met as students at Brooklyn College. They wed in January 1964 at the Church of St. Bernadette in Brooklyn. Then, they moved to Montana for the first of many assignments at Air Force bases across the USA.

From 1963 to 1988, Bill rose through the ranks of the Air Force, starting as an intelligence officer in Montana, and emerging as the director of combat plans at Strategic Air Command headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Between those two, he accomplished much. In the Vietnam War, just after earning the rank of Captain, he served as a fighter pilot in the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing from March to October of 1967, impressively achieving 100 missions within eight months. He was a founding member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association. Upon returning to the States, he became a distinguished graduate of Squadron Officer School, Air Command & Staff College, and Air War College. A sought-after Cold War strategist at the Pentagon from 1983 to 1985, he developed highly confidential military plans. He also formulated the B-1B bomber acquisition policies and was the Pentagon spokesperson for the $20 billion program. In total, he achieved 4,200 hours of flying time in B-52H, F-4C, T-39, T-38, and T-37 aircraft.

After retiring from the Air Force, he began his second career as an executive at DuPont. He oversaw DuPont’s Composites division, helped create and led DuPont Aerospace Enterprise, and was the Global Managing Director of DuPont Aviation. He loved attending aviation trade shows and connecting with people from around the world. His passion for aviation never waned, and he was heavily involved in the Flight Safety Foundation, Flight Safety International, and the TSA. Upon retiring from DuPont, he started his own company, the McCabe Group, a safety-oriented consulting initiative with a focus on aviation and other transportation. He was proud to see his writing published in such magazines as Aviation Week and Business & Commercial Aviation. In 2012, he received the honor of being inducted into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame.

Bill took part in many initiatives at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, including serving meals on holidays for the homeless and donating time, money, and personal efforts for charitable causes. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, whose philanthropic activities attracted him to the organization. He supported many nonprofit organizations, including the Special Olympics, which held a particular place in his heart because of his sister Sue, who was born with Down syndrome.

Bill had a mission to make at least one person smile every day. Even through his health challenges later in life, he held onto that mission. His loves included flying, golf, reading, exercise, jazz, tech devices, thinking outside the box, travel, and his family.

He was a role model to his family and to the community. His unquenchable spirit will be greatly missed, but it will continue to inspire us in the years to come.

Bill had two personal “stress questions” that stemmed from his time in the military, which endowed him with a unique perspective and lifelong sense of gratitude: “Are you getting shot at? No. Are you getting paid? Yes. Life is good.”

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, from 9:30am – 10:30am at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. Interment will be held privately the next day at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation, an organization that was important to Bill. 

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