Bronx, New York
October 23, 2007
Dear Fellow:
It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Brian F. McCabe, M.D., on October 7, 2007 in Iowa City, Iowa, following a lengthy illness. A Funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Iowa City on Tuesday, October 9th.
Dr. McCabe became an Active Fellow of the ALA in 1966 and was elevated to Emeritus Status in 1992.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. McCabe attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School prior to joining the Navy in 1943 as a medical corpsman. He later attended the University of Detroit where he received his B.A. degree. He graduated from the University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor in 1954 where he also completed his residency in Otolaryngology. He later joined the faculty there. In 1964 Dr. McCabe was appointed Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine where he remained until his retirement and elevation of Professor Emeritus in 1996. To show appreciation of his dedication to the many faculty, residents, and medical students, a great honor was bestowed upon him with the naming of the Brian F. McCabe Distinguished Chair in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Throughout his career, Dr. McCabe wrote and published extensively. He was considered a pioneer in ear surgery. For many years, he served as the editor of The Annals, an international journal for otolaryngology. Dr. McCabe was active in many national and international medical society and boards, including serving as President of the American Otologic Society and as a senior examiner for the American Board of Otolaryngology. Throughout his 40+ years in the medical field, he received numerous awards. He also organized a group of physicians who traveled to several Chinese cities to present lectures and surgical techniques at the request of the Chinese Medical Association in 1980, 1981, and 1983.
After retirement, Dr. McCabe enjoyed sailboat racing and sailing with his family on Lakes Michigan and Huron. He was an avid reader and word-smith as well as enjoyed working crossword puzzles.
In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Dr. McCabe was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves as his survivors, his loving wife of 56 years, Yvonne; his son, Brian Jr. and family; daughter, Bevin; other family; numerous friends and colleagues.
At the request of Dr. McCabe and his family, memorial contributions may be to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-7638. All donations should specify “research.”
Sincerely,
Marvin P. Fried, M.D., Secretary
Messages of condolence may be sent to his wife:
Mrs. Yvonne McCabe
701 Oaknoll Drive, Apt G-469
Iowa City, IA 52246