Paul T McGrath
February 25, 1957 ~ March 21, 2018
Resided in:
New York, NY
PORTLAND-Paul T. McGrath, 61, died suddenly March 21, in Manhattan, NY, where he worked as a Chief Engineer on the tugboat Dylan Cooper for Reinauer Transportation Co. of Staten Island.
Paul's childhood summers on Long Island, ME, created life-long friendships and a love of the sea. After graduating from Deering High School in 1975, Paul graduated from SMVTI with a degree in Marine Science Engineering and the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked at Bath Iron Works and continued his education at the Muskie School of Public Service, where he completed a Master of Policy, Planning, and Management degree. He found his way back to the sea working on various tugboats until taking a position as Chief Engineer on the Dylan Cooper.
When home, he loved to spend time with friends and family. Throughout his life he spent as much time as he could on Long Island. He enjoyed landscaping, golf, partridge hunting and skiing with friends. He also renovated an award-winning 1967 GTO. He was an avid reader and loved his cats. Paul was loved and respected by us all and enriched all of our lives.
Paul was predeceased by his father, John J. McGrath. He is survived by his love, Sherry Smith; his mother, Mary C. (Blanchard) McGrath; brother, Jack (Sharon) McGrath; sisters, Ellen McGrath, Anne (John) Sabach; nephews, Brian (Suzanne) McGrath, Sean (Kim) McGrath, Daniel (Isai) McGrath; niece, Catherine (John) Chamberlain; and four great nieces and a great nephew.
And of course his beloved cats, WingNut and Smokey.
Visiting hours will be held on from 4:00PM-7:00PM on Tuesday, March 27, at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Celebration of Paul's Life will be held on Wednesday, March 28, at 10 AM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Rd, Westbrook or Oceanside Conservation Trust of Casco Bay, 217 Commercial St., Ste 302, Portland ME 04101.
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My deepest sympathy goes out to the McGrath family, especially to Sherry. May the hopes and dreams that you’d shared with Paul live on in the memories. I will miss his smile and wit, he was a wonderful man. May he Rest In Peace. Joanne Kennedy
– Joanne Kennedy
Mr. McGrath, you will truly be missed. Paul was a great friend of my father John Larsen and also to our family. He always greeted you with a smile, and asked what was new with you. He was a genuine man. Here is a photo of my Dad and Paul at the Buglight car show this past Fall. I will always think of you Paul when I see a GTO. I am so sorry for your loss Sherry and the McGrath family. Paul truly was a great man. Hugs and kisses to Wingnut & Smokey
– Erika Lynn Smith
So sorry to all the McGraths. Paul and his lovely smile will be missed.
– Deborah Donovan
I knew him as “Irish” – One of the nicest guys I’ve met. He was a good friend of my brother in law JP. So sorry for his friends and family.
Melanie Searle
– Melanie Searle
The staff at Kaler Elementary School in South Portland is deeply saddened for Sherrie’s loss.
Sherrie, we miss you and will be here for you when you return. Take your time and be kind to yourself.
We are so very sorry for your deep loss. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.
Love,
Kaler School Teachers and Staff
– Kaler Elementary School
I’m for you Sherry and Paul’s family. Please know you are in my prayers.
Roberta
– Roberta Marean Small
Our sympathies to the friends and family of Paul. He was a great engineer and greater person. I’ll remember that big smile and sense of humor. Art and Carol Dresser
– Arthur Dresser
My names David Whitney I served as opposite chief engineer on the 4,000 hp ATB Curtis Reinauer with Paul , what a great guy I will miss him . I only found one photo of Paul hard at work in the engine room.
– David Whitney
I have not seen Paul in a good number of years but what a loss to anyone that knew him. Such a great guy! Condolences extended to his friends and family. Noah Smith
– Noah Smith
Irish. I remember riding you on my handlebars down over the VVW hill, building a raft and our oceangoing trip down the Long Island coast, you stood with Julie and I at our wedding and you walked with me in robes for our graduate degree. Christmas at JDs. Your GTO. I cannot not believe you are gone. I loved you like a brother. You are my brother. Ill miss you everyday. You did great things in your life, and you loved a beautiful woman. Goodbye.
– Anthony Donovan
We love Paul! Paul is gone too soon. He always had a smile and a cheerful greeting! He helped us in so many ways when we built our island cottage in 1976.
Dennis & Toni O’Donnell
– Dennis & Toni O’Donnell
Our deepest sympathy to Paul’s family and friends. I work at Reinauer Transportation, and have met Paul at some of the company seminars, and he was a wonderful person, and knowledgeable Engineer.
Rest In Peace Chief.
– William Archer
My dear friend Burns Eye McGrath. It doesn’t feel real, I just saw him a month ago at my fathers funeral. I am so grateful for the friendship we shared and the memories we created. I will cherish the memories of the time we spent restoring the GTO. He was so proud of all the work he put in the car, it came out beautiful. I will never forget the day he bought a 1966′ Chevy Impala 4 door with a 283 motor it was same color at the GTO. The woman who was selling it to him, handed Paul the keys, looked at me and said “Don’t let your son drive it!”
He was a great kitty Dad to Smokey and WingNut.
My sincere condolences to Sherry and the McGrath Family.
– John Larsen