Obituary of Stephen J. McGrath

It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my son, Stephen J. McGrath, 46, who passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2023.  He was the son of David A. McGrath (deceased) and Ava McGrath.  Steve was born on March 18, 1977, in Poughkeepsie, NY, and attended Arlington Schools.  Growing up on Carriage Hill Lane he enjoyed skateboarding, riding his bike, or just hanging out with his friends.  Most of his summers were spent at the IBM Country Club, where he enjoyed swimming, playing tennis, and day camp.  He also enjoyed his trips to Disney World, Ocean City, MD, and Lake George.  He was an avid bowler and very enthusiastic about music and playing drums.  In the year 2010, he became a proud Dad to his son, Alexander.  Every Christmas he loved watching the expression on his face as he opened his gifts.  Brunch at Shadows during the holidays became a tradition.  And then hanging out with his sister Vicki and brother-in-law Matt, who never missed coming home for Christmas since moving to California in 2006, except for the year of covid.  Steve graduated from SUNY New Paltz where he received his master’s in science degree in education and world history.  He taught high school social studies in the Bronx for 20 years.  He took a great interest in his students and also his colleagues, some of whom he became close friends with.  Steve also had a keen interest in various types and styles of tile and worked some summers as a tile setter when school was not in session.  It was something he was very proud of.  I was blessed to have you as my son.  Our family was blessed to have you part of it through the best and sometimes difficult times.  Saying goodbye is not permanent and I will carry you with me in my heart forever.  I will listen to some of our favorite rock bands; Led Zeppelin, Queen, and The Rolling Stones and always remember the good times we had together.  And, don’t forget Ozzy Osbourne, Ordinary Man, My son, you were never just an ordinary man.  Rest in Peace, my beloved son.  May God hold you in his arms.  Steve is survived by his mother Ava McGrath, his son Alexander David McGrath, his sister Victoria Troedson and brother-in-law Matt.  Steve is also survived by his Aunt Michelle (Sutton), Aunt Ernesta (Spero), and Uncle Jack.  Also his Uncle Dennis (McGrath), several cousins, and many close friends.  Steve is predeceased by his father David A. McGrath, and his grandparents Edward and Shirley McGrath, Ernest, and Anita Sutton, and Michael Mycek.  He was also predeceased by his Uncle Mike Mycek. Also, his closest and dearest friends who had died at such a young age.  I will miss his smile and how he always wished me a “good morning”. Calling hour will be held on Sunday, July 9^th, 2023 from 2 pm to 6 pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 am on Monday, July 10^th 2023 at Holy Trinity Church 775 Main Street Poughkeepsie, New York. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com