Obituary of David Cabano
David Thomas Cabano, 67, Veteran CBS Cameraman, Six Time Emmy Award Winner, and Kentucky Derby Winner, Dies.
David Thomas Cabano, a distinguished cameraman who spent nearly four decades capturing some of television's most iconic moments, passed away on October 8, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and friends after a courageous battle with glioblastoma multiforme, a form of brain cancer. He was 67.
Born on June 3, 1957, in Philadelphia, PA, Dave was the eldest of three children born to Louis and Helen Cabano. His early years were marked by a unique global upbringing, as his family lived in London, Lebanon, Rome, Sweden, and Sterling, NJ and eventually settling in Cherry Hill, NJ. These diverse experiences shaped Dave's love of food, music, and travel.
From a young age, Dave had a passion for sports. He loved playing football, soccer, baseball, running track as a child and into college, always bringing his competitive spirit and enthusiasm to the field. A devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Dave's love for the team was a lifelong passion that he carried with him through all the seasons of his life.
Dave went to grammar school overseas and attended Watchung Regional High School and graduated from Cherry Hill East High School in Cherry Hill, NJ, in 1975. He went on to attend Bethany College and later graduated from Rider College in 1979, where he studied journalism, setting the stage for a remarkable career in television.
Dave married the love of his life, Sheila DiBuono, on September 24, 1994, at St. Augustine's Church in Larchmont, NY. Together, they raised a beautiful and talented daughter, Catherine Cabano Power, who, along with her husband, Liam Power, survives him. The light of David’s life was his daughter, Catherine, whom he adored and was immensely proud. His devotion to Catherine, Sheila, his dogs Biscotti and Brodie, and his family and friends was the cornerstone of his happiness.
Dave's professional journey began behind the camera at New Jersey Public Television, where his talent and dedication quickly became evident. His big break came when he was hired by CBS Network in 1982 where he would go on to build a stellar 35-year career. Over the years, Dave worked on a range of major broadcasts, including CBS This Morning, The NFL Today, 60 Minutes, Super Bowls, Olympics, presidential inaugurations, various talk shows and numerous special events, earning him six Emmy Awards for his outstanding contributions to television. He met Sheila, his wife of 30 years, when they both worked on The Joan Rivers Show at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City.
In addition to his career, Dave had a deep passion for horse racing. Dave especially loved the thrill of being in the paddock and winner’s circle at the Saratoga Race Course. He was an enthusiastic member of West Point Thoroughbreds and My Racehorse where he experienced the thrill of ownership firsthand. Dave was fortunate enough to own a small share of Authentic, the racehorse who won the 2020 Kentucky Derby and Breeders Cup Classic, achievements that brought him immense pride and joy.
In 2017, after a long and successful career, Dave retired from CBS and relocated from Greenwich, CT, to Saratoga Springs, NY. He absolutely loved living in Saratoga Springs, where he embraced a well deserved retirement filled with family and friends. His love for horse racing, photography, music, traveling, and sports brought him immense joy.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Dave is survived by his parents, Louis and Helen Cabano of Marlton, NJ; his brother, Steven Cabano, and his wife, Diane, of Avalon, NJ; and his sister, Christine McIntyre and her husband, Brad of Marlton, NJ.
Dave was cherished by many in his extended family, including his in-laws Joseph and Veronique DiBuono; Brendan DiBuono d. 2001, and Ann O’Neil; Mark DiBuono; Jim and Iraci DiBuono; Eden and Daniel Bird; Dennis and Mary DiBuono; and nieces and nephews Megan and Jackson McIntyre, Julia Wunderlich (Kurt), Gabrielle Stickles (Patrick), Alexandra DiBuono, Emmanuelle DiBuono (Emily), Devon DiBuono, Edward Santos, Vivian Nourse (Chris), Mary Gail Cruvant (Barry), Joann DiBuono, Marisa Bird, Kari Bird, Sophie Bird, Anna Bird as well as his Aunt Madeline Cabano, Uncle George and Aunt Dorothy Carrozza.
He is also survived by many loving cousins, grand-nieces, nephews and close friends. Dave was pre-deceased by his grandparents, as well as numerous cherished aunts and uncles whom he loved dearly.
Dave Cabano’s impact extended far beyond his impressive career; he was a devoted family man and a loyal friend. His legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Calling hours will be at the John J. Fox Funeral Home, 2080 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY, on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Catholic Mass celebrating the life of David Cabano will be held in his honor at St. Augustine’s Church on Monday, October 14, 2024 at 11:00 am located at 18 Cherry Avenue, Larchmont, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dave’s memory to the
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. www.trfinc.org