George P. McCabe

April 2, 1945 - August 17, 2023

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Church of the Blessed Sacrament

2224 Sacramento Drive

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Tuesday 8/22, 2:00 pm

George Paul McCabe, 78, of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on August 17, 2023 surrounded by family.

George was born to George and Dorothy McCabe in Brooklyn, New York on April 2, 1945. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Providence College in 1966 on a full NIH scholarship and a Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics from Columbia University in 1970. In the same year, he began a distinguished 50-year career at Purdue University as a Professor of Statistics and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs of the College of Science.

George was a kind and humble soul with an inquisitive mind, a lifelong Catholic, a proud alumnus of Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, and a voracious reader; he enjoyed traveling––especially to Ireland––spending time in Breezy Point, New York, hosting family gatherings and trips, poker nights with friends from the math and statistics departments, playing guitar, doing the daily crossword, watching Purdue sports, and playing piano duets with his wife. He loved to tell stories, but insisted that facts should never get in the way of a good one. George’s professional achievements include over 200 publications, consulting for more than 100 clients, textbooks translated into a half dozen languages, and innumerable talks and visitor positions all over the world. But if asked, George would unquestionably cite his family as his greatest accomplishment, and instilled in them his generosity of spirit, depth of principle and character, and lifelong love of learning.

He was predeceased by father George P. McCabe, mother Dorothy T. (Brogden) McCabe, and sister and brother-in-law, Eileen and Robert Lenney. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 39 years, Linda Doyle McCabe; his adoring children and grandchildren: Sara McCabe and husband Eugenio Volpe (Ronan Volpe), Eve McCabe and husband Jonathon Stewart (Atticus and Vivi Stewart), Erin McCabe (Georgia McCabe), George McCabe and wife Alison McCabe, Sean McCabe and wife Laura Zhou (Aidan McCabe); and niece and nephews: Candi, Robert, James, Timothy, and Christopher Lenney.

In the spirit of how George lived his life, please extend your kindness to another, and think of him.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament at 2224 Sacramento Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana on Tuesday, August 22 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Erin Mccabe

Sue Tapper

Teena Seele Erwin

Kevin Tian

The Gathercole Family

Bonita Paulson

Judi Estes

Leon Thacker

Jan Barrett and Michael Smart

Tammie Ellis

Dawn Cockrell

Church of the Blessed Sacrament

2224 Sacramento Drive

West Lafayette, IN 47906

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Tuesday 8/22, 2:00 pm

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George Paul McCabe, 78, of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on August 17, 2023 surrounded by family. George was born to George and Dorothy McCabe in Brooklyn, New York on April 2, 1945. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Providence College in 1966 on a full NIH scholarship and a Ph.D. in MathematicalContinue Reading

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Linda and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. It was a privilege to work with George in the College of Science. He always had a smile on his face and a beautiful soul. My deepest sympathy! Ranae and Pat Wetli

I love you Dad.

Sara, we are so very sorry for your and your family’s loss. We send our love ❤️

I was saddened to learn of the passing of George McCabe. I received my MS in Statistics from Purdue and then worked as a Research Assistant in the Statistics Department until leaving the university in Jan. of 1971. In the brief time that I overlapped with George at Purdue, I came to know him as the kind of statistician I hoped to become - a liaison between statistical theory and tangible applications enabling problem solving that resonated on a personal and human level while driving the advancement of the body of knowledge and also the awareness of the importance of statistics for decision making. I touched base with him occasionally at various meetings, kept his book on my shelf as a reference, and leveraged his work in my efforts to convince my husband, a fellow graduate of Chaminade on LI and an engineer with a PhD from Purdue, that statistics was valuable to his research! We both send our sympathy and prayers to his family.

I was one of his many statistics students, he was really good at making it an interesting and practical subject.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We are so sorry. George was such a kind person with a unique sense of humor. Dennis very much enjoyed working with him. He will be missed!

I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless your family and give you comfort and peace from your memories. He was a very special man.

I'm very sad to heat the news about George and send my condolences to George's family. Soon after I arrived at Purdue in 1997, I started working for the Statistics Department's Statistical Consulting Program. I greatly benefited from George's wonderful mentoring in this role (he Directed the program at the time) in relation to both the statistical methods to use on a given problem but also on how to effectively communicate statistical ideas and results to non-statisticians. He also gave me crucial advice to seek a post-doctoral fellowship upon finishing my PhD when I was struggling to decide what to do next and wrote a wonderful recommendation letter for me. He was always there for students and was always so interested in what his former students, and those he just helped in various ways (like me), were up to. Catching up with George annually at the Purdue mixer at the Joint Statistical Meetings was always a highlight for me. Thanks George for everything!

I was very saddened to hear the news and send condolences to his family. Prof. McCabe was the Statistics professor that most influenced me to be who I am today. He taught numerous classes that I took both in undergraduate and graduate school at Purdue. I worked on my Masters project under his direction. He was on my Master's exam committee. When I came back to Purdue in 2015 for an Alumnus Award, and I was asked if there was anyone I would like to invite, Prof. McCabe was first on my list. He always had a way of getting you to think beyond the models and formulas and to recognize that every data point had a story to tell.

I started graduate school in the Purdue Department of Statistics at the same time George began his academic career. While I didn't have George as a teacher, I did see him at many statistical meetings. His warmth of personality and interest in those of us who started in early 1970s formed a strong bond to him and to Purdue.

Such a kind and knowledgeable man - and a card shark as well. He was on my PhD committee but he loomed larger than that: always quick with a smile and ready for engaging conversation Condolences to Lynda and all those who loved him

I am deeply saddened to hear the passing of Dr. McCabe. He led me into the Statistical Consulting Service and helped me discover my passion in the field of Applied Statistics. With his guidance, I earned the Master degree in Applied Statistics (2002) and the Ph.D. degree in Sociology (2004). To date, I still remembered his soft voice, his smile, and the humorous survey examples he used in teaching the Stat522: Sampling and Survey Techniques class. He was a teacher with profound knowledge and exceptional modesty. He served as a mentor and role model in my pursue of knowledge, truth, and professional development in the field of quantitative social research. My sincere condolences to Linda and the entire McCabe family.

I'm so sad to learn of the passing of my favorite Purdue professor. I received my B.S. in Statistics in 1985. He was my advisor. I loved talking to him in his office. He always always had the best personality and helped make my experience a wonderful one. I visited him a time or 2 over the years, but it's been a long time. I will always remember him with great fondness and respect. He will be missed.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Professor McCabe's passing and wish to convey my most heartfelt condolences. During my tenure as a Ph.D. graduate student at Purdue from 1990 to 1995, I had the privilege of being a student in his classes. Additionally, as a member of the Statistical Consulting Center, I collaborated on numerous interdisciplinary research projects. Professor McCabe's remarkable talent for transforming statistical theories into tangible applications was not only technically enlightening but also resonated on a personal and human level. His teachings have profoundly influenced my professional trajectory. I consider myself fortunate to have been mentored by such an inspiring educator. Professor McCabe will forever occupy a cherished place in both my memories and my heart.

I am surprised and very sorry and feeling sad to hear that Prof. McCabe passing away. His smiling face and his teaching in class more than 30 years ago came back to me so vividly. The only course I received from Dr. McCabe is the advanced course on statistical application that he pioneered into the PhD program that used to be pure theoretical only. In the course, I learned SAS programming and solving practical problems, which proved to be very useful in my career and substantiated the practical sides of my views on statistics. Please accept my deep condolences to Dr. McCabe and he will live in my heart.

I'm very sorry to learn of Dr. McCabe's passing. He'll never know the long-term impact he had upon my life. He helped encourage me as I obtained my MS in Applied Statistics ('81) in spite of my background being less theoretical than my colleagues. Once I graduated, he provided the support and continued encouragement as my career continued to evolve. I'm just one of the countless students whose life benefited by having met him. Thank you, Dr. McCabe and best wishes to his family during this time of great loss.

In memory of George P. McCabe, Kevin Tian lit a candle

Our condolences for the McCabe family.

Thank you George for living your life in such a giving way. See how you have blessed Rev. Erin with you love, acceptance, guidance, and wisdom. May you live in blissful peace. May your family heal and thrive as you have provided this example.

Sending loving thoughts to Rev. Erin & family from Rick Dodderidge & I.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sending love and blessings to all family members.

George was a great teacher of students and those of us who teach. His insights and kindness was amazing. Our condolences to Linda and the whole family.

My sincere condolences to George’s family. Knowing George was a great pleasure for me and many others.

Sending our love and blessings to you all, with special appreciation for Reverend Erin, and all of the ways we hear your father‘s love and wisdom expressing through you. Sending you soft, slow breaths, as you journey through these next days and months, saying goodbye to this life without your father / beloved, and hello to life without his physical presence. We invite each of you to remember that you are love, and you are loved.Namaste.

Sending love and prayers

The Board and Staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry wish to extend our sincerest condolences to George's wife Linda, his children, grandchildren, niece, nephews, and extended family and friends. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.

We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. May God give you all the strength to bear your loss. Thinking of you, Linda, George and Sean. Narsimhan, Meena, Vivek, and Karthik

In memory of George P. McCabe, Dawn Cockrell lit a candle

We are so sorry to hear about George. He was one of the nicest guys that I know. Good bless you Linda and your family!

I met George and Linda through my bestie, Erin McCabe. he was a gracious, bright and generous man. He and Linda were simpatico and it was a joy to witness their relationship and family life they created together. knowing he will dwell forever in the hearts of his loved ones assures us that his legacy endures. rich blessings of comfort and solace for Linda, Sara, Eve, Erin, George and Sean.

I am George's first cousin. As children we took family vacations to Breezy Point, New York, (ironically from our home in Indiana!) and visited our cousins at Breezy including George and his sister Eileen. We loved it. But I had lost contact with George until 2020 when we got in touch after the death of Eileen. Over these last few years, I loved getting emails from George. He was so kind and generous. We enjoyed chatting about family, genealogy and Ireland. I already miss hearing from him. To Linda and his kids, I am so sorry for your loss.

I only took one course from George as a grad student but that was enough. His dedication to learning and his patience with students while they asked questions had a deep and lasting impact on my own teaching career. He truly touched many he encountered during his life and I'm grateful to have been among them!

Purdue and the world of statistics have lost a shining light

Sending you all love as you navigate this world without George, a world so different from yesterday. XO- The P.E.B.s

My deepest condolences to the McCabe family.

My heartfelt sympathy upon George's passing. I had the opportunity to work with George's son Sean during graduate school and he was a wonderful help to our lab - I could tell how close-knit your family was simply from our interactions. Wishing you all comfort in your memories and in your family's love.

I am saddened to hear about George’s passing. He was a wonderful colleague — a scholar, and a generous and kind man. I always enjoyed my conversations with George, and his advice. He will be missed, but most because he lived well.

Rest in the peace of Our Lord-

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am deeply saddened to hear this news. I went to Purdue as a graduate student from 1996-2001. I took Stat 525 from Professor George McCabe, a course I still remember. George gave me the confidence to pursue applied research and convinced me through his legacy and mentoring that statistical theory and applications both are needed for our profession to thrive and advance. I worked for the statistical consulting group at Purdue just because of George. He helped me find a job. After I left Purdue I will see him at Study sections, at professional meetings and he will always be thoughtful, supportive and encouraging. I taught from his books. He will be remembered by his students like me with deep love, profound admiration and greatest respect. George was an exemplar role model as a practicing statistician, a clear thinker, a superb communicator and a great human being. My sincere condolences to the family.

Dear Sara, My profound sympathy & condolences to you & your family my dear friend. You & yours are in my thoughts & prayers. With great affection, Monica

Nancy and I are surprised and saddened to learn of the death of my longtime colleague and eventually collaborator. George was a pleasant man and a gifted working statistician and author. He was an asset to Purdue and even more to his family and many friends.

What a wonderful colleague and such a positive influence on Purdue. Always the optimist seeing the glass full, even when there were challenges. Always willing to help to find an answer to a difficult scientific issue.

Dear George was a powerful voice in the statistical community. He will be sorely missed.As well a most generous and loving man with his friendship. Again it will be sorely missed. My best sympathy to those in mourning.

I only know George through his daughter Erin, who is my friend and minister of my church. Considering my utmost respect for her, I have to conclude he must have been an amazing dad. I see him easily sailing into his next adventures on the other side, learning, teaching, supporting, loving, and rejoicing in the next stages of his life.

It is with deep sadness that I reflect upon the departure of our esteemed colleague and friend, George. His compassion and profound knowledge of the department's history have been invaluable to me, especially during my tenure as Head of the Department. Beyond his wisdom, George's sense of humor was always a source of joy. He played a pivotal role in mentoring numerous graduate students and junior colleagues, and his efforts in championing others for awards did not go unnoticed. George's absence is profoundly felt, and he will be dearly missed.

I was very sorry to hear of George's recent passing. We collaborated on a number of papers. I always found him to be a superb colleague and a wonderful person to interact with both professionally and personally. He could always be counted on for his expertise, like the three dimensional statistical plot he showed me (like something out of Star Wars!). My deepest sympathy to Linda and his family.

My deepest sympathies to George’s family, especially Linda, Sarah, Eve and Erin. He was such a fun, kind and gentle man. So happy to have known him over the years.

I extend my sorrow to George's family. I had the pleasure of working with him on various research projects at Purdue. He was brilliant, humble, honest, kind, and just a wonderful human being. He has absolutely left his mark in this world. No doubt he will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

I am very sorry to learn of George’s passing. George helped me several times over the years with statistical problems and he was always kind, cheerful, and creative. He was a wonderful colleague.

I’m so sorry to hear of George’s passing. I was fortunate to meet George through Town and Gown, and my immediate impression was a kind, friendly, smart and pleasant man. All of my conversations with him encouraged me to think more about the topic discussed. I will miss seeing him walking around the neighborhood. My prayers will be offered for the McCabe family.

I love you Dad

So sorry. Best wishes to Linda and all the family.

I babysat for George McCabe in 1973 or so. He was such a kind and peaceful soul. I think he would be pleased to know that I have been a teacher at a Catholic school for many years.

George was one of the most caring and generous people I have ever known. I pray for peace and comfort for the McCabe family while you grieve. Please know that the Purdue Statistics family grieves with you too.

I offer my sincerest condolences for the loss of George. I worked with him while I was on an HHMI grant at Purdue. He was nothing less than pleasant, professional, and encouraging. Sending wishes and prayers for peace.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.