Kevin James McGrath

Kevin James McGrath, 57, passed away unexpectedly on April 16, 2024, at his home. He lived each day to its fullest and touched the lives of many with his vibrant spirit and unwavering kindness and generosity.

Born and raised in Foxboro, Massachusetts, Kevin shared his childhood adventures with his brothers Joe, Bob, and Justin, and forging lifelong friendships that endured through the years. Known affectionately as "Eagle" by his closest friends, Kevin's youthful days were spent immersed in outdoor sports, laying the foundation for his lifelong love of activity and camaraderie.

Kevin dedicated 37 years of his life to Verizon, where he not only excelled as an employee but also served as a beacon of humor and leadership. His role as a union steward and his pursuit of an associate's degree reflected his commitment to his work and personal growth.  He made many close lifelong friends there through his magnetic personality and desire to be a team player.  Kevin enjoyed the people and the career.

In his late 20s, Kevin's life took a turn of selflessness when he moved in with his brother Joe's family to provide unwavering support after Joe's injury. For 18 years, Kevin was not just an uncle but a pillar of strength and guidance to Joe's children Dan, Stephy and Tina, who he taught to drive, coached their sports, took them on vacations to Sebago Lake, skiing in the White Mountains and exploring the forest of Mosley Park and supported all throughout their lives. He instilled passions into all of his nieces and nephews, including Julie, Andrew and Cassie, who adored him and whose lives wouldn’t be the same without him. Through his dedication to the family, he taught them loyalty and love. 

Kevin loved kids and kids loved Kevin.  His family and friends children always gravitated to him during any gathering as he was always the “fun” one who played and paid attention to them all.  As a Pop-pop, he continued to spread the same fun and love as he had throughout his life.

Kevin's love extended beyond his immediate family to all those he encountered. He touched the lives of so many people. He loved talking with people, and made friends everywhere he went. Kevin was a phenomenal storyteller, and it wasn’t hard for him to get people belly laughing.  He was always there for others, offering comfort and companionship whenever needed.

Kevin had many passions in life. He loved music of many different genre from alternative to jazz to rock and everything in between. He attended more concerts than one can count from the time he was a teenager and continued throughout his life, his last concert this year being just a few months ago.

 Kevin loved to dance.  He was always first on the dance floor, and music and dancing is how he started his beautiful relationship with the love of his life, Kim at the Sunday night blues at the Grog in Newburyport, one of his favorite cities.

 His biggest passion was sports. If there was a Bruins, Celtics or Patriots game on, you could be sure Kevin was watching it. He would get so excited and into the game and if he wasn’t watching it with one of his buddies, he was on a group text stream non-stop commenting and sharing his excitement about the game. When Kevin wasn’t watching sports he was either on the ice rink, tennis court, the ski slopes, the soccer field, his bicycle, snow-shoeing or running.  He also did some coaching. He spent hours and days walking and sitting on the beach, which was his sanctuary. Together with Kim, Kevin lived the life of an adventurer, often including people they loved like their family and close friends for extended vacations. He took many trips to Hampton Beach, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, Cape Cod, Portland, North Conway, Acadia, Burlington and Stowe.

Kevin leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, love and laughter that will be dearly missed.

Kevin is survived by his beloved partner, Kimberly Dillon, who will miss the love of her life always. He leaves behind his devoted brothers, Bob and Justin, and their wives, Anna and Rosa, and his sister-in-law-Nancy.

He will also be dearly missed by his cherished nieces and nephews: Dan McGrath and wife Kaitlyn, Stephy McGrath and fiancé Sean, Tina McGrath and husband Jon, Julie McGrath and husband Mike along with their daughter Lyla, Andrew McGrath and partner Paige, and Cassie McGrath and her partner Noah.  

In addition, Kevin leaves behind his mother-in-law Donna Downs, and his stepchildren, Patrick Dillon and wife Huimin, Ashley Lento and husband Sam, Matthew Dillon and fiancé Molyda. His grandchildren, Lucia and Alivia.

Kevin is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Al and Anne McGrath, his dear brother Joe McGrath, and his father-in-law, George Downs. Their memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Though he may have left this world, Kevin's spirit will continue to soar like the Eagle he was, forever remembered for his boundless love and generosity.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday April 25, 2024 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday April26, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Church, friends are asked to go directly to Church. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Kevin’s name to the Buoniconti Fund online at www.themiamiproject.org

For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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