ROCHELLE — Howard “Moose” Thomas McBride, Jr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon.

Moose was born on Oct. 12, 1931 in Detroit, the son of Howard Sr. and Evelyn McBride.
He graduated from Rochelle Township High School and was a lifetime resident of Rochelle.
Moose owned and operated McBride Construction. In his later years, he became an avid gardener, spent hours watching western movies and loved to make his famous polish potatoes.

Moose is survived by his life-long partner, Alice Leander; daughters, Marlene (Richard) Moss, Joan (Art) Smith and Barb Kemp (Marion); son, Dennis (Yvonne) McBride; brothers, Fred McBride, Tom McBride and Jim (Gaye) McBride; sister-in-law, Marjorie Kuehl; special friend, Wally Kemp; grandkids, Melinda (Quint) Burkhart, Kim Sheffield, Phillip (Tara) Cultra, Shawn (Jaime) Kemp, Farley (Jadi) McBride, Amy (Nic) Johnson and Justin (Courtney) McBride; several great-grandkids and great-great-grandkids; as well as nieces and nephews. He’s also survived by his cat, Chester, and dog Pepper.

Moose is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Adam Kemp; brother, Don McBride; sisters, Phyllis Cooper and Mary McBride; sister-in-law Diane McBride; and brother-in-law, Cecil Cooper.

There will be graveside memorial service at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Moose’s name to Serenity Hospice and Home, 1658 S. Illinois Route 2, Oregon, IL 61061.