Jerry Ronald McGrath

Jerry was born in Lansing, Michigan on February 23rd, 1933. He was the youngest of three children born to parents Ruth and Walter McGrath. His older siblings were Ilene and Robert. He graduated from Lansing Eastern High School where he met his future wife, Melisande.

Following high school, Jerry briefly worked for Oldsmobile. He then served in the Army from 1953-1956, where he was the Company Supply Clerk out of the base in Fort Carson, Colorado.

Upon his return home, he began a career at Michigan Bell Telephone, (now AT&T) where he worked as a mechanic and on residential installation and repair for the next 30 years, before retiring in 1986. He then worked for MSU in the Telecom area for another five years before retiring again.

In August of 1956, he married his wife Mel. They would enjoy a few years of marriage as “just a couple”, before welcoming a son and daughter. They purchased a family home in Lansing, where they would remain until 2003. They enjoyed summer vacations at a church family camp. Jerry and Mel were involved members of Pilgrim Congregational Church where he served as an usher for many years.

Between 1988 and 1997, Jerry and Mel welcomed four granddaughters. Becoming grandparents was a rewarding experience for them in their retirement years, and gave them renewed energy and purpose. It was during this time, that they also started spending winters in Florida with other life-long Michigan friends. By 2003, Jerry and Mel made the decision to sell their house in Lansing and move to Tidevue Estates in Ellenton full time.

Moving to Florida proved to be a very positive decision for both Mel and Jerry. They enjoyed many of the community events and activities offered to the residents of Tidevue. They also enjoyed hosting family when they would come for visits. Jerry and Mel enjoyed going to the beach, swimming in the pool, going out to eat, and playing cribbage, Michigan Rummy, and endlessly working on difficult jigsaw puzzles.

Jerry appreciated rituals and routine, (waking up at the same time every day, eating the same breakfast, spending time tinkering in the shed or in his front yard, etc.) and so when his male friends in the neighborhood started a morning coffee group, that too became part of his routine that he looked forward to. He was always excited to hop on his golf cart with a freshly brewed pot, so he could join the conversation at 9:00 a.m. Community was very important to him and he was always friendly and kind to everyone he met.

In 2021, Jerry and Mel moved to Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton, when living independently was no longer the best option for them. Jerry adapted well to living in a new environment, and enjoyed the food and activities provided in the nursing care facility. He was a particular fan of the animal therapy days when they would bring in bunnies and dogs for the residents to pet and interact with. He enjoyed looking out the large sun room windows at the water and the road, and people-watching became a fun pastime. When family would visit, spending time and eating meals together was really important to Jerry. The family is grateful to the staff at Westminster, particularly Shelley and Melody for taking great care of him and for helping set up weekly Zoom calls so that family could still see and talk with both them on a regular basis.

Jerry and Mel celebrated their milestone 70th Anniversary in August of 2026 with a pizza party. Their relationship was a testament to enduring love and teamwork. They built a life together, and were each other’s companion for every single joy and challenge. It is hard to reconcile with the fact that they will no longer be at each other’s side, but will one day be reunited in heaven.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Walter, his sister Ilene, and brother Robert. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Mel, his children, his four granddaughters, and great-grandson.

Jerry will be deeply missed by all who know and love him. A private Celebration of Life was held at Westminster. Jerry R. McGrath, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on September 16th, 2026 after living a long and rewarding life. He was 93.