Raymond Stephen McGrath

September 2, 1921-April 25, 2017

Ray (“Jiggy”) McGrath passed away peacefully in San Francisco at age 95, surrounded by his family. A proud native of the City, he was born at home in the San Francisco “Butchertown” neighborhood, one of eight children. Son of the late Myles McGrath and Jane Rogers McGrath. Husband of the late Barbara Kerrigan McGrath. Beloved father of Geraldine McGrath, Nancy Klein (Rich), and Deborah McGrath. Loving grandfather (“Gramps”, “Grandpa”, “Poppie”) of Robert Rowland (Angie), Mary Kate Lathrop, Jennie Perez (Danilo), Rachael Klein, Siobhan Guerra (Felix), and Raymond Lyons. Great-grandfather (“Poppie Jiggy”) of Daniel and Riley Rowland, Connor and Gavin Lathrop, Emily, Danielle and Natalie Perez, and Felix and Ignatius Guerra. Survived by his brother Anthony McGrath (Abby), and by numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was a graduate of Mission High School and a World War II veteran, U.S. Navy. He retired in 1977 from the San Francisco Fire Department, as Captain. Ray was a member of the Phoenix Society of San Francisco. A kind and generous friend to many, he was an active parishioner of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church and involved in social justice. Ray was an honorable and fine representative of “old-time” San Francisco. An evening visitation will be held May 5 from 5-7 p.m. at St. Teresa of Avila, 1490 19th St., San Francisco, immediately followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Teresa of Avila on May 6 at 10 a.m., followed by a reception. There will be a private interment at the San Francisco National Cemetery, Presidio, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Teresa’s, a favorite charity of his, and of which he was a Past President.