Ralph F. McGrath

Ralph F. McGrath went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Born in Cambridge, Md, on August 2, 1939, he was the oldest son of Ralph Winfield McGrath and Amie Rebecca Francis Adams. After graduating from William Penn High School in 1957 and the Community College of the Air Force, Mr. McGrath served his country for over 42 years as a member of the Delaware Air National Guard where he was the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the unit's Disaster Preparedness Section. While there, he also served for over 25 years as a member of the unit's rifle squad in the Base's Honor Guard.

His awards include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Reserve Medal, Air Force Longevity Medal with three Hourglasses, Air Force Outstanding Volunteer Medal, Conspicuous Service Medal, Medal for Military Meri, Medal for Aid to Civil Authority, and Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with a Bronze Star.

Mr. McGrath was also a certified firearms instructor for the National Rifle Association. In this capacity, he volunteered to teach firearm safety and marksmanship at Camp Rodney Boy Scout Reservation each summer for over 20 years. He also was the Director of Junior Activities of the Brandywine Rod & Gun Club for over 18 years. Mr. McGrath was a member of the First Baptist Church in New Castle, where for many years, he was active in the church's visitation program. In addition, he was also a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 1578 in New Castle and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Newark. For over fifteen years, he was the Adjutant and Financial Officer for the American Legion J. Allison O'Daniel Post 10 in Newark, Delaware.

Upon his retirement, Mr. McGrath continued the travels that he started with his first wife, Ruth, during which he visited every state in the union and some thirty-five foreign nations.

In addition to his parents, Mr. McGrath was preceded in death by his first wife of 38 years, Ruth S. McGrath, who passed away in September 1998; his oldest son, Ralph F. McGrath, Jr., who passed away in February 2001; and his second wife of twenty years, Evva N. (Assimos) McGrath, who passed away on July 24, 2021. He is survived by his fiancé, Joy H. Wahl of Wilmington, DE; son, Robert F. McGrath (Kristen) of Townsend, DE; 2 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm. A committal service will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. McGrath's name to the J. Allison O'Daniel American Legion Post 10, 100 Veterans Drive, Newark, DE 19711.