William R. Ansel-McCabe, of Pleasant Avenue, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Bill was born 75 years ago on November 17, 1950 in McKeesport, PA. to Tressa (Osterhoudt) and William J. McCabe. His father worked in construction so the family moved a lot when he was young, finally settling in Scotia, NY. His father later got a job as a foreman in the Howes Cave Cement factory and the family settled down in Middleburgh in 1960.
Bill was an honor graduate from Middleburgh Central School in 1968. He went on to Clarkson College where he was class President and a member of the TKE fraternity, making lifelong friendships. He graduated in 1973 and soon after moved near to San Francisco in California. He spent the next 19 years there working primarily in the building products industry.
Returning to Middleburgh in 1992, Bill immediately started to work in not-for-profit organizations mainly the Middleburgh Little League where he was President for 13 years. Bill also served on the Board of Directors of the Youth Commission and as Treasurer for the Middleburgh United Methodist Church for many years.
After serving as a Trustee for the Village of Middleburgh for 2 years, he ran for and won the position of Mayor of the Village of Middleburgh and he enjoyed two four-year terms. He was most proud of helping the Village recover from Hurricane Irene that occurred in 2011.
Bill loved traveling, visiting Europe, Iceland and especially loved the Florence region in Italy. A character in his own right, he excelled on stage and many will remember his performances in Paul Lamar's "The Green Room" and especially his roll as Magistrate in Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" with the Theater Project Schoharie County. Above all, he loved visiting with people, the best food and drink, great music and the love of his faithful dogs.
Bill is survived by his wife: Erynne Ansel-McCabe, whom he married in 2005; his brother Kenneth McCabe; his sister Mary McCabe; his nephew: William McCabe. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother: David McCabe.
A Celebration of Bill's life will be held at 6:00PM on Friday, March 27, 2026 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Main Street, Middleburgh, NY 12122. Inurnment will be at a later date in Middleburgh Cemetery.
Bill’s family requests donations in his honor be sent to the Middleburgh Village Youth Commission, PO Box 789, Middleburgh, NY 12122 or the Middleburgh Little League, PO Box 723, Middleburgh, NY 12122
Please visit www.coltrainfuneralhome.com to share online condolences with Bill’s family.