Dr. William J. McCabe of Palm City, Florida, passed away on April 7, 2022, at the age of 91, after a long illness. Bill, which he always preferred to be called, died at home with his wife Sonnee and his step-daughter Ann, by his side.

Bill was born in Queens, NY on April 13, 1930, the only child of William and Matilda McCabe. A graduate of South Side High School in Rockville Centre, class of 1948. Bill went on to receive a B.A. degree in English from Adelphi College in 1953. That same year, he joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1955.

Bill was a recovering alcoholic, who found sobriety after living homeless on the Bowery in New York City and Skid Row in Miami for eight years. In his mid-30's Bill went to Avon Park Treatment Center in Florida or treatment of alcohol addiction. After treatment, he became a court alcoholism counselor in Miami and received a grant to attend graduate school.

Florida State University became his alma mater from which he received his Master's Degree in English and a Doctorate in Psychology. He later became an adjunct professor in the Social Work department at FSU. Bill was a pioneer in the field of alcohol addiction treatment. In the mid-1970's he helped to write the first National Standards for Alcoholism Treatment. He was the Executive Director of several alcohol and drug facilities over the years, served as Vice President at Recovery Centers of America, and was an Accreditation Surveyor and trainer for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Upon retirement, Bill contributed his time to Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) in Stuart, Florida, doing psychological evaluations and counseling.

Bill had numerous hobbies over the years. He took flight lessons, excelled at working crossword puzzles, enjoyed scuba diving and boating and loved hiking the Rocky Mountains.

He is survived by Sonnee, his wife of 47 years, his two step-children, Ann and Brien and five grandchildren; Katie, Danielle, Tommy, Emily and Maddie, who lovingly knew him as Gamps.

A private family Celebration of Life is planned. Anyone wishing to commemorate Bill's life may wish to contribute to a homeless shelter or a local food bank.