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BORN

1960

DIED

2024

Michael McCabria Obituary

Michael Rory McCabria was born on May 10, 1960, in Lawrence, Kansas. He died on June 10, 2024, in Topeka KS. Rory was born with intellectual and developmental disabilities and for 64 years, his kindness and gentleness were a blessing to those who knew him.

After completing his high school equivalency education, Rory initially moved to Pittsburg KS to work and live at the New Horizons Center.  When a spot became open at Bethesda Lutheran Communities in Overland Park, KS, Rory moved there and was there until the center closed in 2018.  Following that, he moved to Lawrence Kansas where he resided with the Rising Phoenix community and attended Day Services at Cottonwood, in Lawrence, KS. 

Rory died peacefully in the presence of family, as well as devoted staff from Rising Phoenix and Midland Hospice. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Cherry Koch McCabria and is survived by his siblings: Robyn McCabria Kelso (Mike) of Eudora KS; Russ McCabria (Cheryl) of Riley, KS, nieces and nephews: Dr. Matthew Kelso (Eudora KS), Mason Kelso (New York City), Cheyenne, Seonna and Sierra McCabria (Riley, KS) 

Rory loved outings with his family and will be remembered for having a sly wit and sometimes macabre sense of humor and a fascination with machines and all things mechanical.  He was especially fascinated by all thing's organ related and particularly the organ at St. Paul United Church of Christ.

Graveside services will be at 10 am on Saturday July 6, 2024 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. Via the Warren McElwain Mortuary, suggested memorials include: Cottonwood Work Enrichment Services in Lawrence KS or St. Paul United Church of Christ of Eudora KS in care of the mortuary.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jun. 16, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael McCabria

Not sure what to say?





Samantha

May 5, 2025

I rember him talking softly, and his calm and gentle personality. He had a wonderful smile.

Samantha

July 11, 2024

McCabria family and friends, I'm very sorry for your loss. I was one of his nurses at Bethesda. He was always kind and soft spoken. What a sweet man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Patty (Trefz) Sherman

July 5, 2024

Robyn, Russ and families, my thoughts and prayers to you all. I have just wonderful memories of Rory during our family events and vacations. Wishing you comfort.

Julie McElhaney Tuley

July 5, 2024

Rory and I were such buddies when we lived next door as buddies. I remember well just us 2 sitting on the stairs in the garage waiting for Cherry and Bob to bring you home Robyn. I remember playing a lot in the back yard on Edgela road one onetime finding a "baby" in the sandbox and putting it in my pocket and scaring my Mom! Your house and babysitter and Rory! Such a sweetheart! Haven´t seen him for years but know he still had that gentle soul.

Lori Ryan (Scully)

June 24, 2024

Hey Robyn and Russ this is Lori Ryan (Scully) your mom was my teacher a long time ago and I just found out that you lost your brother and i am wanting to send my condolence to you both i am sorry for the passing of your brother and my prayers are with you and your family at this time

George Comstock

June 16, 2024

Wishing all of my cousins joy and peace through this time. Although I did not know Rory well, it was very clear that he was deeply loved by his family. Rest in peace my cousin.

Paula Bradley

June 16, 2024

The Bradley family sends their deepest condolences for the loss of Michael. May his memory bring you joy and peace.

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Memorial Events
for Michael McCabria

Jul

6

Graveside service

10:00 a.m.

Memorial Park Cemetery

Lawrence, KS

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel

120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044

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