William McGrath PhD

My deep condolences for your loss. Dr. McGrath sounded like an extraordingary human being. We are the poorer but heaven is the richer for his passing.

My deepest sympathy at your loss. I never had the chance to meet any of the McGrath side of the family except through Patti and our phone and e-mail conversations. Fern and my father Marshall were at the opposite ends of the Pierce clan.

Sally Gordon and I are hoping to come up tomorrow to express our solidarity and family love. We plan to leave tonight and come to the funeral home tomorrow.

My cell phone is 301-648-4585.

It is with the greatest sadness that I learn of the passing of Bill McGrath. As one of his students and advisees at the University of Rochester in the late seventies, I will always remember his compassion, decency, and high level of mentoring and scholarship. And as a teacher and administrator at Harley School in the 80s, I learned what a loving and caring father he was to his very talented daughter. You have my sympathy on the passing of this extraordinary man.

Rev. Mr. Scott R. Reisinger
Headmaster
Bancroft School
Worcester, MA

One of my favorite memories of Uncle Bill…

He found joy in mundane things. It was the Easter season. Bill, Stephanie and Katherine made the long trek from New York to the Deep South for a visit with my mother, his sister, and my father. In Mississippi we were cold with daytime highs in the fifties. I came to visit and imagine my dismay when found a most serene Bill and Stephaine sunning in shirtsleeves on the patio! I questioned their sanity but was reminded of the brutal winters in Rochester and the deliciousness of the warmth they normally would be unable to feel until late May. I retreated inside. To this good day, the memory of those two sunning with silly grins on their faces makes me smile.

I’ll miss his warmth, his infectious laugh and the genuine caring he expressed to me and my children. His is certainly a life to celebrate.

In great sorrow for your profound loss, and in memory of the times we shared in the past.