Richard Michael McCabe passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2026, following a battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 90 years old.

Richard was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on September 24, 1935. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1957.

In January 1958, Richard joined the United States Air Force as an officer, completing his Single Engine Jet pilot training in 1959 and rising to the rank of Captain. On September 3, 1960, he married Mary Ann Kelly, and the couple made their home in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where Richard was stationed. He served on alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a defining moment of his military service. It was in Louisiana that Richard and Mary Ann welcomed their first two children, Ann Catherine (born August 28, 1961) and Michael Eugene (born March 1, 1963). Richard completed his Air Force service in 1963.

Following his military service, the family returned to Cambridge so Richard could pursue graduate studies at MIT, where he earned a Master of Science in Industrial Management in 1965. That same year, the family relocated to Seal Beach, California, where Richard began his first career with the Douglas Aircraft Company. There he worked as, and eventually led, a team of engineers at the company that would later become part of Boeing. Richard and Mary Ann's family continued to grow in Southern California with the arrival of two more sons, Matthew Scott (born September 17, 1969) and John Neil (born September 1, 1972).

Richard's commitment to learning never waned. While continuing his career, he attended classes at Claremont Graduate University, and after retiring from Boeing, he completed his dissertation to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Executive Management. He then began a second career as a college professor at Pepperdine University, where he shared his knowledge and experience with a new generation of students.

Richard will be remembered for his service to his country, his leadership and dedication as an engineer and educator, his lifelong love of learning, and above all, his devotion to his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Mary Ann, who passed away on July 2, 2019. Richard is survived by his children, Ann, Michael, Matthew, and John, and grandchildren Logan, Connor, Skylar, and Jay.

A memorial service will be held on October 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Anne's Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Good Shepherd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, or the Cure Alzheimer's Fund in Richard’s memory.