Peter McGrath

Peter H. McGrath Burnt Hills - Peter H. McGrath, age 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2024 surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Peter was born on July 15, 1941 in Schenectady, NY to the late Hugh and Irene (Pfau) McGrath. Peter was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Donald and James McGrath, and his beloved son Andrew McGrath.
A graduate of the former St. Joseph's Academy in Schenectady, NY, Pete began his career with the Schenectady Police Department in 1969 as a patrolman and retired after 30 years of service as a detective in the Youth Aid Bureau. He was an accomplished detective who took immense pride in helping the city's most vulnerable youth and was awarded with Police Officer of the Year in 1992. Pete loved spending time in the outdoors fishing (fly, ice, bass, all of it), hunting, snowmobiling, camping, and boating with his friends and family. Pete's love for family was fierce - constantly telling his three kids they had to always stick together, no matter what (always at the dinner table while shaking his fork in their faces). Pete married Heather on September 17, 2000 and she became his best friend, confidant and lately, caretaker. Pete loved life and it is comforting to know he is reunited with his son and best friend Andrew, who we know greeted him joyously and they immediately took off to all their favorite restaurants and places in the Adirondacks.
Peter is survived by his wife of almost 24 years, Heather McGrath; daughters Kerri Ann Weiskotten (Kurt) of Schenectady, NY and Maureen McGrath (Edward) of Albany, NY; grandchildren Michelle Waring of Danbury, CT, Thomas Waring (Caitlin) of Mechanicville, NY, and Madeleine Waring (Aiden) of Orlando, FL; brothers-in-law Christopher O'Connor (Dana) and Francis O'Connor (Lynn) both of Rotterdam, NY; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his constant and loyal canine companions, Colin, Emmett, and Riley.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral which will begin Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 10:15 a.m. at the Gleason Funeral Home and at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, State Street, Schenectady, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Friday, April 19, from 4 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.
The family would like to thank the kind and caring staff at St. Peter's Hospital and Community Hospice for their compassionate, around-the-clock care of Peter. Donations in Peter's name may be made to the Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 or the Schenectady County Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave., Glenville, NY 12302.