Bernard Joseph McCabe, 73, passed away from heart failure on January 1, 2021. He was born and raised in Mt. Dora, Florida, attended Stetson University and Stetson University College of Law, graduating cum laude. He started his career as an Assistant State Attorney and dedicated his life to serving the people of the state of Florida for 48 years. Bernie was elected to the office of State Attorney of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in 1992, when his much-admired boss, Jimmy Russell, retired, and he was subsequently re-elected for seven more terms without opposition. Bernie was always proud of the lawyers and staff, especially Chief Assistant State Attorney Bruce Bartlett, with whom he worked. Together they continued and grew an office of justice and integrity.
Bernie was passionate about and supported juvenile diversion programs and always wanted to
encourage children to view law and order in a positive light, and to channel them away from the
criminal justice system. He also supported Sheriff Bob Gualtieri’s move to start a similar program for
adults accused of minor crimes. Bernie was proud that he had a positive and productive relationship
with Public Defender Bob Dillinger, which few other state attorneys enjoy. Bernie always asked, “What’s
the right thing to do here?” whether he was dealing with criminals, drug addicts, juveniles, or veterans.
Bernie was an adjunct professor and on the Board of Overseers at Stetson University College of Law. He
also served as past president of the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association and was on the boards of
the YMCA of the Suncoast, the Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board, and many others. Bernie was
chair of the Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council and the Pinellas County Substance Abuse
Advisory Board. He was also a member of the Gold Shield Foundation.
Bernie was a member of the Stetson University College of Law Hall of Fame and received the Inns of
Court Barney Award, the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Ben Franklin Award, and others.
Bernie was a huge sports fan, recalling details from long-ago and relatively insignificant games of all
flavors. He attended many seasons of Florida Gators football games as a child and 37 more as an adult,
and starting in the ’70s, he had season tickets to the Bucs games. Bernie also loved to travel. One
Bernie’s favorite pastimes was going on cruises, enjoying the weeks and months of planning almost as
much as the actual trips. When his children were young, he organized vacations that were both fun and
educational. Much to his family’s delight, Bernie was also an excellent cook.
Bernie was predeceased by his father, Bernard, who was Superintendent of Schools in Lake County, and
his mother, Virginia, who was a life master bridge player and a fabulous cook. He is survived by his wife,
Denise; his daughter, Jennifer; his son, Patrick; sister, Virginia Pounds (David); brother, Thomas McCabe
(Kimberly); brother-in-law, William Poulos (Judith Ann); sister-in-law, Janet Hagan (Michael); and many
nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Vincent House (4801 78 th
Avenue N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781) or YMCA of the Suncoast (2469 Enterprise Rd, Clearwater, FL 33763).
Is an adjunct professor at Stetson University College of Law
Served as chairman of the Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council, chairman of
Board Member
