Gerald J. McGrath, 76, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, died September 18, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by loving family and dear friends.
He was born June 20, 1943 in the Bronx, New York, son of the late Daniel McGrath and Dorothy (McKnight) McGrath. He was a 1965 graduate of Manhattan College, Riverdale New York, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After college he joined the Peace Corps, serving in Malaysia and meeting fellow volunteers from all over the USA who became lifelong friends. At the end of his Peace Corps term, he moved to New Bedford and was employed by the New Bedford School Department, teaching in various schools and retiring from the Phillips Avenue School in 2001.
Gerald enjoyed swimming and boating at Sassaquin Pond where he resided; he enjoyed daily swims at the New Bedford YMCA. He loved nature and the beautiful state of Massachusetts and traveled the world far and wide. Gerald loved life to the fullest.
Gerald is survived by his nephew Thomas McGrath and his wife Elizabeth Lawrence McGrath, his nieces Holly and Anne McGrath, and his grand-nephew Joshua McGrath, his lifetime companion Lena A. Graham, his cousins and multiple dear friends.
Gerald will be remembered for his humor, kindness and love for his fellow man.
Services will be held on Saturday September 28, 2019 at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His family will receive visitors from 11 AM – 12 PM, with personal remembrances and tributes to be given between 12-1 PM, followed by a prayer service at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the YMCA Southcoast, 25 South Water St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.