Kelly McGrath-Baratta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kelly McGrath-Baratta, born January 30, 1985, who left us at the young age of 40 after a brave and determined two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Surrounded by the love of her family, she passed away peacefully.

A longtime resident of Emerson and formerly of Berkeley Heights, Kelly was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a cherished friend to many. Her life was a testament to strength and unwavering love, qualities that were never more evident than in her fight against illness. Even through the most difficult days, her spirit remained bright, and she found immense joy and purpose in her family. Her greatest love was for her husband, Gerard, and their two precious sons, Leo James, 7, and Luca Joseph, 2 ½, who were her greatest motivators and the light of her life.

Kelly was a kid at heart who loved spending time on the beach in LBI with her family. She delighted in planning fun activities for her children, creating memories like their recent trip to Disney World earlier this year. It was a memory she longed to create, and she did everything she could to make it happen before leaving this world. She also had an exceptional eye for detail, putting her talents to use as a successful event planner for many years.

She is survived by her beloved husband of nine years, Gerard; her children, Leo and Luca; her sister Amanda and her husband Anthony; and nieces Harper and Ellie. She is also survived by her mother-in-law Carmella and her husband Tim; her father-in-law Leo Sr.; her Grandmother in law Fiorentina, her brother-in-law Leo Jr. and his wife Diana; her stepbrothers William, Matthew, Edward, and Robert Conklyn; and her stepsisters Jenna and Michelle Conklyn, along with nieces Lyra and Tim Conklyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joann and James McGrath.

A visitation for Kelly will be held Monday, August 11, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675. A prayer service will occur Monday, August 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM. A mass of christian burial will occur Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 69 Valley Street, Hillsdale, New Jersey 07642. A committal will occur Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 11:45 AM at Garden of Memories-Garden A, 300 Soldier Hill Road, Township of Washington, New Jersey 07676.

A repast will be held for all at The Ridgewood Country Club (96 W Midland Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652) immediately following the Committal Service.