Addabbo honors Rockaway resident as 2018 Woman of Distinction

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. recently selected Rockaway native and a member of the FDNY, Patricia J. McCabe as his 2018 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction for his district.

Patricia “Patti” J. McCabe is a life-long resident of Rockaway, who has had a long and rewarding career with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and is extremely active in her community. Through both her work and her personal commitment to serving the needs of others, Patti makes a difference every day in the lives of Rockaway families, as well as FDNY firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

After working for the FDNY for 17 years in many different capacities, Patti now serves as the Administrative Manager to the Chief of the Fire Academy. Over the years, Patti and her co-workers have created a tradition of providing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and gifts to families in need.

Her giving ways began in 2007 when Patti became involved in providing food and gifts to a family whose child was battling leukemia. Since then, with the generous help of colleagues, friends, the Rockaway Greybeards organization, and her own family members, Patti has been able to offer Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and joy to hundreds of families.

“Through her selfless actions, Patti has created a culture of giving in her community for more than a decade,” Addabbo said. “For someone who dedicated so much to the FDNY, to continue giving to the people of her community truly shows Patti’s compassion and love for people. It is my honor to recognize Patti as the 2018 Woman of Distinction.”

Patti’s community activism is not limited to holiday helping hands, however. She also reaches out to local churches and her support network when local people are facing personal financial emergencies, suffering from cancer, or are otherwise in need. Patti knows she is making a difference when she contacts a family with offers of dinner or other aid.

A parishioner of St. Rose of Lima RC Church in Rockaway, Patti has been married to her husband, Frank, for 35 years, and they have a son, James. He and his fiancée Nicole have a daughter, Gabriella, who is the light of Patti’s life. She is also blessed with a wonderful mother in Patricia Tuite.