Charles Robert McGrath

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so fully lived that we share the passing of Charles Robert “Nick” McGrath on February 23, 2026.

Born on September 11th, 1953, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Nick arrived in this world already wired for loyalty to all things Boston, an allegiance he carried proudly (and loudly) for the rest of his days. Born to Audrey Polk and predeceased by his father, Charles McGrath, Nick found a devoted father in William Polk, who raised him with unwavering love and support. Nick is a cherished brother of Nancy Bernath, Laurie Imperatore, and Thomas McGrath and “crazy Uncle Nick” to many nieces and nephews.

If Boston was his first love, the Adirondack Mountains were a very close second. When Nick came to Paul Smith’s College in 1970, he fell head over heels for the mountains, lakes and the people- and never looked back. The Adirondacks became his home, his playground, and the backdrop to the life he built and loved.

In 1979, Nick met the love of his life, Patricia Peria, working at the Cedar Post in Saranac Lake. Their romance blossomed into a “once in a lifetime” kind of love, and they married in September 1980. With Patti came two sons, John and Jeremy, whom Nick embraced wholeheartedly as his own. Together, they added three more children, Katie, Molly, and Nicky, creating a bustling, joyful family that became Nick’s proudest accomplishment.

Nick was happiest when he could pour his passion for sports into his children. From little league fields, hockey rinks and high school sporting events, Nick was there every step of the way as a coach and mentor. He devoted endless hours of practice, games and drives while embracing laughter, lessons and watching his children grow.

Nick leaves behind a gang of grandchildren that span the ages: Nicholas, Gabriella, Jake, Liliana, Charlie, Sophie, Jacob, Abby, Hailey and William. To them, he was a steady presence and a gentle guide, always ready with a well-timed joke, a listening ear, or words of quiet wisdom. He celebrated their milestones with genuine pride and unwavering support.

Nick was a wonderful chef who truly knew his way around the kitchen. He used this skill early in his career at well-known places like the Lake Placid Club, Duffy’s, and the Hilton. Nick spent his later years at FCI Ray Brook, running the kitchen with his larger-than-life personality, booming voice and unmistakable presence that made him unforgettable. To know Nick, was to know his enthusiasm for conversation, for camaraderie and especially for Boston sports. He took delight in good nature sparring with his many Yankees-fan friends. In 2004, when the Red Sox finally won the series, you might have thought he had personally taken the field at Fenway.

Nick leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by his devoted wife, Patti; his five cherished children and their spouses; John and Michelle Phelan, Jeremy and Vanessa Phelan, Katie and John Shea, Molly Nocella, and Nick McGrath; his ten precious grandchildren; and countless family members and friends who will carry his memory with them always.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 5th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, New York.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 6th, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society, 255 George Lapan Memorial Highway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.

“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:1