John B. McGrath

John B. McGrath, Jr., aka Barry, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025 in St. Paul, MN, at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marion N. McGrath and father, John B. McGrath, Sr., and former wife, Beth Kendall. Barry is survived by his six children: Meggan McQuillan (Kevin), Leila McGrath (Jeff Hahn), Mary Veres, Amy McGrath (Masood Bhatti), Melissa McGrath (Daniel Lanpher) and Ben McGrath (Sarah Welsh); second former wife Barbara Kaplan; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law Roger and Kay McGrath.

Born in St. Paul on September 18, 1932, Barry lead a long, well-lived life. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1954 with a Business Administration degree. He then served in the U.S. Army/Transportation Corps from 1955 to 1957 in Fort Eustis, Virginia. In 1962, Barry graduated summa cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law. The following year he clerked for Judge Harry Blackmun, Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

Barry was an attorney for almost 50 years. From the early 1960s until 1996 he worked for the railroads: Northern Pacific, Burlington Northern, Soo Line and Canadian Pacific. He finished his career at Leonard, Street & Deinard in its transportation law department, retiring at age 77 in 2009. One of his fondest railroad memories was from 1994, when Soo Line union workers went on strike and management was sent out to run the trains. During those six weeks, Barry worked as a yardman and assistant engineer, living out a childhood dream centered around his favorite toy-his model train set.

During his working years, Barry was a licensed pilot and flight instructor. He liked the outdoors, and enjoyed canoe and camping trips with friends and family. He was a Ham Radio operator (W0YD) for decades. He regularly communicated with other Hams around the world and participated in global disaster response efforts. After retiring, Barry volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children in juvenile protection cases.

The achievement Barry was most proud of, though, was his six children. He was heard to say he was proud that none of his kids spent time in jail, all were leading productive lives and everyone got along and was close at heart.

Barry's family extends a heartfelt thank-you to his many care and attention givers at St. Anthony Park Home. They buoyed his life until the end. We are all very grateful for their loving care of our dad.

Barry will be missed. We are fortunate to have sprung from a warm, yet private, accomplished yet humble man. A celebration of his life is being planned for 2026, with details to be announced at a later date.