Donald Michael McGrath, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully Saturday night, April 11, 2015. He was 66 years old.

Don was the son of Donald and Ann (McLoughlin) McGrath. Born in New York City on March 25, 1949, he was always very proud of his Bronx upbringing. After the family moved to Katonah, Don was an avid basketball player, all-county baseball player, and member of the first graduating class of John F. Kennedy High School in Somers, NY. He attended The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, where he graduated in 1971.

Soon after graduating, he married Kathleen Colby, his wife of 43 years, and moved to Cross River where he worked for his father in real estate. In 1975, Don and Kathy moved to Hopewell Junction where they raised their three children, Katie, Michael and Brendan and made lifelong friends.

Don was a Real Estate Appraiser for more than 40 years, founding McGrath & Company in 1984. He had a well-earned reputation and was universally respected in the real estate industry all throughout the Hudson Valley. He treated employees as if they were family and they loved and respected him in return. His business was his hobby as well as his passion, and his remarkable knowledge of most any property in the area made him an invaluable consultant to property owners, municipalities, and non-profit organizations.

Don was so proud to call the Hudson Valley his home. He was a past President of the Mid Hudson Chapter of the Appraisal Institute and the Chairman of the East Fishkill Recreation Commission for 13 years, for which he was recently honored by the naming of McGrath Field.

When not at home or working, you would find Don on the golf course in Cape Cod. In 1999, he and Kathy bought a summer home for their family in Harwich Port, MA. Their little beach at Allen Harbor was a special place for them for many years, enjoying countless trips with friends and family.

Don was predeceased by his loving parents Ann and Donald. In addition to his wife Kathy, he is survived by his children: Kate and her husband Neil O’Sullivan, Michael and his wife Nicole McGrath, and Brendan and his wife Elizabeth Birch.

He was also a proud big brother, survived by his devoted younger siblings Barbara and her husband Dick Johann, Tommy and Eileen McGrath, Kevin and Terri McGrath, and Brian and Kathy McGrath, and their children, whom Don cared for so much, along with countless aunts, uncles, cousins and more. He generously gave his time and care freely to them all, and to everyone he met.

But over the last eight years, Don’s heart fully belonged to his six adoring grandchildren: Timothy, Bridget, Cleo, Ryan, Jack and Cora. To them, he was “Poppy,” a man who could literally outplay them, as hours turned into days and luckily, years. Their memories are Don’s greatest gift.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday at 10: 30 am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: CLL Research & Treatment Center , North Shore Long Island Jewish Medical Center,
410 Lakeville Road, Suite 212, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, Attention: Dr. Jaqueline Barrientos. Please write “In memory of Don McGrath” in the memo field. To donate online visit: https://support.northshorelij.com/sslpage.aspx?pid=1040. Please indicate CLL Research & Treatment Attention Dr. Jaqueline Barrientos in the research area field.

For driving directions, online condolences, or memorial donations, please visit Don’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.