Thomas "Tom" Michael McGrath, age 74, of Fort Collins, Colorado passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
He was born on July 12, 1948 in Pueblo, Colorado to Velma and Lawrence McGrath. He had five brothers and three sisters. Tom grew up in Pueblo and graduated from South High School. He went straight into the military after graduation, enlisting in the United States Air Force. He was an electrical mechanic for large planes. Tom proudly served his country for four years and was honorably discharged. Unfortunately, he did come into contact with Agent Orange which did cause health problems that would be with him throughout the rest of his life.
Following his discharge from the USAF, Tom enrolled at Colorado State University to pursue his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. His dream job was to work with underprivileged youth in Boys Town, Nebraska. He and his family moved up to Nebraska but sadly, Tom did not yet get that job at that time.
Tom was happily married to his wonderful wife, Gloria, for more than 51 years. Together, they had two sons and one daughter. They moved from Pueblo to California to North Carolina to Nebraska and finally settled in Fort Collins. He eventually became a respiratory therapist, and that is where he met Gloria. They weren’t too fond of each other at first, but grew on each other after a few dates. Tom was not a very religious man while growing up but became a Catholic when he and Gloria were married.
Tom really enjoyed watching football; especially the Denver Broncos. It was never a good idea to get in the way or to interrupt him while he was watching the Broncos play.
Tom leaves behind a beautiful legacy and is survived by his wife, Gloria McGrath; two sons, Mark Camarillo (Jodi) of Lakewood, Colorado and Sean McGrath (Susan) of Windsor, Colorado; and a daughter, Courtney Richo (Randall) of Fort Collins. He had nine grandchildren: Kimeon, Connor, Ethan, Javier, Esai, D'Anthony, Kade, Pilar, and Kameron. He was soon to be a great-grandfather to Lennox Ember, who is due to arrive in September. Tom is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, step-father, and by his brother, Eddie.
Tom was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a tremendous man and will be tremendously missed by all who knew him. From his daughter, Courtney, “Love you Dad & see you soon!”
A Rosary will be held for Tom on Thursday, July 13th, 2023 at 7pm at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Fort Collins. His Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, July 14th, 2023 at 10am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Fort Collins. Tom's Committal Service will follow at 11:30am at Resthaven Memory Gardens. Memories of Tom and words of condolence for his family are welcome at www.resthavencolorado.com.
