Michael McGrath

Michael Thomas McGrath, age 20 of Wayne, passed away on Saturday, October 29,
2022.

Michael was the third child born of Kevin and Theresa McGrath’s four children. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and the family moved to Wayne when Michael was just two years old.  He was the beloved brother to his older sisters Caroline and Catie and his younger brother Jack.  Michael will be tremendously missed every single day.

He embodied everything a parent could ever wish their child to be and his positive impact on family and friends will be felt forever.  

Michael was a kind, caring, thoughtful, and loving young man whose admirable qualities were deeply cherished and enjoyed by all who were blessed to have shared life with him. Michael had a keen sense of understanding the joys and concerns of others while demonstrating subtle acts of kindness to those in need.  

Michael was a graduate of Wayne Valley High School’s Class of 2021. He was presently a sophomore in the Honors Program at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) where he was considered a bright and talented member of the school community studying Secondary Education - History.

Michael’s spirit will live on through his tremendous impact in many different activities. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha, TCNJ’s music fraternity, and was a percussionist in the college’s concert band. He was a robust member of the Wayne Valley music program, playing percussion in the Wayne Valley Marching Band, jazz band, concert band, and percussion ensemble. He served as drumline captain his senior year.

Michael was incredibly bright and intelligent, and was able to use his quick wit to entertain family and friends. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society at Wayne Valley.  He made the Dean's List each semester while at TCNJ. He planned to share his passion for history and helping others by becoming a high school history teacher after graduation.

Michael was the adored son of Kevin and Theresa (Von Tobel) of Wayne; dearly loved brother of older sisters Caroline and Catie, and younger brother Jack; cherished grandson of maternal grandparents: Carl and Rosemary Von Tobel of Matamoras, PA (formerly of Paramus) and fraternal grandparents Thomas and Barbara McGrath of Fairfield; dearest nephew of: Aunt Karen and Uncle Jay McCann of Caldwell and their children, Emily, William, and Erin, Uncle Carl and Aunt Kim Von Tobel of River Vale and their children Desmond
and Joey, and Aunt Erin and Uncle Brian Gessner of Paramus and their children Aidan and Abbey; and dear great-nephew of Father Joseph L. Desmond of Old Bridge.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Michael’s name are asked to consider a donation to a memorial scholarship set up in his name:

Michael McGrath Scholarship
c/o Wayne Board of Education – Attention Mary Monisera
50 Nellis Drive
Wayne, NJ 07470