Mr. David H. McGrath

Mr. David Harrington McGrath, 66, of 37 Melrose St. Adams, died Tuesday afternoon, January 19, 2016, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. He was born in Adams on September 23, 1949, a son of the late Harold and Margaret (Harrington) McGrath. He attended Adams schools, graduating from the former Adams Memorial High School with the Class of 1968. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Art History from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and earned his Master's Degree in Education from the former North Adams State College. Mr. McGrath was an Elementary Art Instructor for the Adams Cheshire Regional School District for over 35 years until retiring. He then worked part-time for several years at the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield, and also gave classes in painting at the Adams Senior Center. He was a communicant of the Parish of St. John Paul II in Adams. He was a member of the Massachusetts Teacher's Association and the National Education Association, and a former member of the Adams Turners. He enjoyed art, painting, calligraphy, hiking, camping, and loved his pet dogs. He was a sports fan, and enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and New England Patriots, and the University of Notre Dame football games. He especially enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and trips to Cape Cod. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, the former Kyle A. Downey, whom he married on June 3, 1972; 2 sons, Michael McGrath and his wife, Jennifer; and Thomas McGrath, both of Adams; 2 grandchildren, Noah and Claire McGrath; 2 brothers, Neil McGrath of Cobb Island, Maryland, and John McGrath of Pittsfield; a sister, Maura McGrath Morrison of Claremont, New Hampshire; his mother-in-law, Eleanor Downey, of Adams; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Jennie McGrath, and his father-in-law, Edward Downey. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 25th, at 10:00 AM in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams. Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor of the Parish of St. John Paul II, Adams, will officiate. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Sunday afternoon from 3 to 5 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Massachusetts Special Olympics, 512 Forest St. Marlborough, MA 01752; or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com

Mr. David H. McGrath

September 23, 1949 - January 19, 2016