Paul McCabe

Paul J. McCabe, 67, of Charlestown passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Paul and Constance (Malloy) McCabe. He was the beloved husband of Margaret (Rupinska) McCabe.

Paul was a force, a truly larger-than-life personality. The kind of person whose presence could fill any room, lift any conversation, and leave a lasting impression on everyone he met. His humor, confidence and unmistakable charisma made him impossible to forget. Whether he was telling a story, cheering on a team, or sharing a new idea, Paul had a way of commanding attention and making people feel like they were part of something special.

A profound thinker with a brilliant mind, Paul held many patents and constantly explored new concepts with curiosity and originality. He was a self-taught "sommelier" with a refined palate for water. He also found comfort in life's simple joys, such as strolling along the beach, enjoying quiet afternoons on his boat, and sharing time with his cherished dogs. His love for dogs was unmistakable and deep; they were part of his everyday joy.

Paul shared his life with his wife, Margaret, who came from Poland, and together they built a life rich in humor, devotion, and shared adventure. To know Paul was to feel his passion, his intensity, and generous heart. He could challenge you, inspire you, and make you laugh--- often all in the same moment.

He was a proud graduate of LaSalle Academy and Providence College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business. He carried his Friar pride wherever he went. He was a devoted PC Friar fan long before his college days. At an early age, he would sit with his dad and brother, Bob, watching PC basketball on the television and listening to the announcer, Chris Clark, back in the 70's. This continued to his last days in ICU as he listened to the PC Basketball Game with his brother Bob.

In addition to the Friars, Paul was an enthusiastic supporter of all Boston teams. He would attend any game he was able to obtain a ticket for. Paul was never concerned where his ticketed seat was located, as he had an uncanny ability to talk his way to a front row seat.

Ice Hockey was woven into his identity. It was Paul's true passion. He started skating at the age of seven and began playing ice hockey for CLCF at the age of ten. During his childhood winters, he often played pickup hockey at Aqueduct Field in Cranston after school. He continued playing ice hockey when he entered high school and played for four years at LaSalle Academy where they went on to beat Burrillville for the State Championship Title in 1976. Paul went on to make the Providence College Hockey Team as a freshman. During the summer, entering his sophomore year, he had major eye surgery repairing a torn retina in his left eye that cut short his collegiate career. After college, he devoted his time to coaching youth hockey for The RI Saints, CLCF, & Southern Rhode Island Hockey. He loved coaching his nephews and nieces and always made it fun for the kids. He enjoyed teaching them the game he loved. It was always more important to him to witness the joy the kids had playing the game.

Paul's interests were as bold and vibrant as he was. He was a music enthusiast who loved live concerts, powerful speakers, and the feeling of a great song pulsing through the crowd. The Allman Brothers held a special place in his heart, and Paul & Margaret would travel all around New England to watch them play live. Paul met Greg Allman on a few occasions. Their sound matched the soulful, spirited way he approached life. As the Allman Brothers wrote, "Soulshine...it's better than sunshine." Paul's soul was bright, bold, unforgettable --- its shine will live on in every memory cherished, and every person lucky enough to have felt his presence.

Besides his wife, he leaves behind his sisters, Nancy Ryan and her husband James Ryan of Cranston, RI, Susan Doyle and her husband Liam Doyle of East Greenwich, RI and his twin brother Robert McCabe and his wife Margaret McCabe of Cranston, RI and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 5th at 10AM in St. James Chapel, 2079 Matunuck School House Rd, Charlestown, RI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4th from 4 to 7PM in Avery Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St. Wakefield, RI.

Special Thank You to South County Hospital, especially Dr. Christopher Seidler, Ricky Moffitt (Paul's long-time friend), and all staff who cared for Paul during his illness.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Paul McCabe to South County Health Cancer Center at 100 Kenyon Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879.