Christopher Lee Mcgrath

Christopher Lee McGrath, age fifty one, unexpectedly embarked on his eternal journey on February 3rd, 2023, from his newly purchased home in Cranston, RI. His soul is now at rest with God, who blessed him with a kind heart, a loving community of family, friends, and colleagues, and many talents, one of which being his uncanny ability to make people laugh.

Chris was born alongside his twin brother, James, on November 26, 1971, in Norwich, CT, to proud parents Dr. Thomas Joseph and Eleanor Grace McGrath (nee Day), and older siblings Timothy, Michael, and Daniel.

Chris’s childhood and adolescence were spent in Nashua, NH, and Tolland, CT, respectively, where he attracted lifelong friends, planted the seeds of his unforgettable sense of humor, and acquired his love of canine companions. When the mercury soared, he was on his skateboard; when the snow was falling, he was strapped to his snowboard.

After graduating from Tolland High School in 1989, Chris heard the call of duty and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, following a patriotic path that was blazed by his older brother Timothy. Chris lived the life of a Devil Dog from 1989 to 1993, when he was honorably discharged, ultimately obtaining the rank of Corporal as a Stinger Missile Gunner. For Tim and Chris, “Semper Fidelis” is more than a motto.

Chris took classes toward his Associates degree at Manchester Community College before he found his professional calling in 1997, joining the United States Border Patrol. He spent his early career at Carrizo Springs, TX, and Rangely, ME, stations. A fluent Spanish speaker, Chris guarded the border with dignity and compassion before retiring from his supervisory duties in the fall of 2021, leaving behind many devoted friends and acquaintances at the Laredo West Station.

Chris was the proud father of Kristin Leigh McGrath, and enjoyed sharing stories of her life and accomplishments with his family and friends.

Chris was preceded in death by his older brother Daniel. He is survived by his parents, Thomas (Pomfret Center, CT) and Eleanor (South Kingstown, RI), his twin, James (Pittsfield, MA), his older brother Michael (Jacksonville, OR), and his oldest brother Timothy (Windsor Locks, CT). Chris leaves behind his daughter, Kristin Leigh (Carrizo Springs, TX), and his beloved Belgian Malinois dog, ‘Snookie”

Whether he was on his Harley Davidson, scooter, or his mini-bike, Chris loved the freedom of being on two wheels. He was also at peace in the rugged rangelands along the Rio Grande river, where he cultivated the unusual hobbies of tanning rattlesnake hides and collecting arrowheads. Chris adorned his body with numerous tattoos, many of which commemorated his loved ones and his Celtic heritage.

For his generosity and good nature, “Uncle Christmas”, or “Uncle Awesome,” as he was alternately known, is sorely missed by his numerous nephews and nieces, Ahren and Leonora; Anna, Evan, and Daniel; Aidan; Kyle and Ian; as well as by his sisters-in-law, Sylvia, Teresa, Leslie, and Christine.

Chris’s remains will be laid to rest at the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery after a funeral mass on February 25, 2023, at St. James Chapel, in Charlestown, RI at 10:00 AM.

“Honor First” and “Semper Fidelis”

In lieu of flowers, donations in Christopher's memory can be made to your favorite charity or South Kingston Animal Shelter at 132 Asa Pond Road, South Kingstown, RI 02879.