William John McGrath

January 26, 1950-November 16, 2025

William (Bill) John McGrath of Carlsbad, California, passed away peacefully on November 16th, 2025. He was born January 26, 1950, in Staten Island, New York, to the late William and Julia McGrath.

Bill was a compassionate and caring person. His life took many interesting twists and turns, and he retained his sense of humor and loving nature throughout all of them. He was a proud alumnus of Msgr. Farrell High School, Class of 1968. He honorably served in the Army and was stationed in Germany in the 1970s. He loved sports, and even tried out for the Mets! He later coached his brother in basketball and his children in soccer.

Education and mentorship were important to him. He obtained his Ph.D. from La Salle University while working in both the Juvenile Court and Community Schools in San Diego and as an Associate Professor at National University for over 25 years. He loved his university students and was proud to see them excel and share tales of their successes with him.

The children he taught in the Court School System held a special place in his heart all his life. He wrote a book about his experiences to highlight the obstacles so many young people overcome, and always sought to follow his own advice about children: “Kids don’t care how much you know; they just know how much you care.” He staunchly fought against prejudice and loved to help all people see the good qualities and potential they possessed. He voluntarily dedicated his time to Brother Benno's, Meals on Wheels, and served on the panel for the Oracle Education Foundation.

He came from a large and beautiful family and then had one of his own. He was preceded in death by his parents and two of his seven siblings, Rose Heather Connell and Susan Greico. He is survived by four siblings: Mary Anne McGrath, Timothy McGrath, Gerard McGrath, and Kathryn McGrath.

He was married to Nola McGrath for 40 years and is survived by five children and their spouses: His daughters and their husbands, Margo Austin-Moore and Michael, Alana McGrath and Andrew Duncan, Justine Constantine and Taylor, Taryn McGrath and Malcolm Galligan, and his son Liam McGrath. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Quinn Constantine (daughter of Justine and Taylor). He had a "bonus son," Harry Tetteh of Ghana, and is survived by Harry, his wife, and their two sons.

A journal he kept was found upon his passing, containing letters to his children, which included the following: “Remember too, that as you are a part of your Mom and I, we are family first, last, and always.” His kindness will live on not only through his words but through his deeds.