Joe McCabe was a  foster child at the home of the late Arthur and Theresa McCurdy in the late 40's and 50's. Joe and his brothers Richard, Donald and sister Kathleen attended the Whitefield rural schools long before consolidation. While in town for a few days last month, Joe visited with old friends and classmates Mike McCormick, Dave Chase and Libby Ann Harmon. He has lived in the Albany, NY area since going there to teach Physical Education in the Schodack Central School System in 1966.

Joe moved to Augusta in 1953 Cony High School and lived with Bernard 
and Mary Tanner for two years and worked on a dairy farm. He moved to Winslow in1955 and lived with Frances and Sheldon Ward on the Garland road farm. He worked the farm and played sports for Winslow High School and on two occasion played football against his younger brother Don, a star halfback at Cony High School 1955-59.

After graduation from Winslow High School in 1957 he completed an 
extra year of post-graduate study at the school because his prior curriculum lacked the essential courses required for the stringent college entrance preparation in the late 1950's. He worked locally summers and during the post graduate years to save money for college. In the Spring of 1958 he was accepted for admission to Springfield College a choice he dreamed of getting and was elated. The savings and a small scholarship from the Winslow PTA enabled him to complete one year at Springfield. Hopeful of return to college he search a good summer employment and was hired at one the local pulp mills. Two weeks later an economic slow down caused the layoff of all extra summer help and his hope of returning to school in the Fall of 1959 was ended.

Joe was obviously disappointed and dejected immediately enlisted in 
the U.S. Marine Corp. and served five years and was discharged Corporal E-4 in September 1964. While stationed at Newport Naval Base, Newport, RI. for four years he was able to attend Providence College and University of Rhode Island part time evenings over several years and earned a year of college credits.

Upon discharge he returned to Springfield College in the Fall of 1964 
to complete his under graduate study. He majored in Physical Education and Health and competed inter-collegially in football, track and wrestling. He worked evenings and weekends to support his young family having married Evelyn Menezes in August 1961. She also worked diligently to support Joe's effort and to raise their son Mark born in July 1962. The couple also borrowed money from private financial intuitions and the available National Defense Loan in pursuit of this joint goal.

The dream came true in June 1966 as the couple attended graduation and 
Joe received a BS degree in Physical Education and Health From Springfield College. The couple was overjoyed having completed the first of many joint ventures. Ready to relocate anywhere for a desired teaching position, Joe settled for a teaching position at Schodack Central Schools in Castleton, NY. 

The Supervising Principle Mr. Larry Davis wanted a Physical Education and wresting coach for the new Maple Hill Middle School. Mr. Davis offered the position and gave credit for the five years of Military service. Joe began his teaching career and earned a masters degree in Educational Administration from the University of NY at Albany in June 1970.
He served in the school system teaching Physical Education at all 
levels, was Athletic Director for Fourteen years, coached Varsity wrestling, football and various other sports. He was named area "Coach of the Year" in 1971-72 and "Teacher of the Year" 1987-88.

In 1977 Joe organized a commercial cleaning business "Mac Building 
Service Contracting" and successfully ran the firm for twenty five years in the Albany area. The enterprise employed many local residents and served 50-60 clients over the many years. The business was recently sold to a former employee. 

Joe retired from teaching and coaching in 1998 and was immediately 
encouraged to run for local public office. He ran on the Republican ticket 
for Schodack and defeated a three term incumbent Democrat for the office. After serving two years, as the Town's political leader he did not seek reelection in favor of a full retirement and travel plans. 

Joe and Evelyn are planning a July 4th visit to the Whitefield area in 
hopes of renewing many old friendships. The McCabe's have three grown children and currently have four lovely grandchildren and still live in Castleton, NY a suburban community eight miles south of Albany, NY on Hudson River.



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