Dennis B. McGrath

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McGrath, Dennis B. age 81, of Minneapolis, passed away at home on Saturday, May 12 after valiantly battling health complications for the last four years. McGrath held an illustrious public relations and journalism career and was considered one of the local deans of the communications business. McGrath was a founder and past President of Mona Meyer McGrath & Gavin, now the Minneapolis-based office of the international PR firm Weber Shandwick, Inc. He later served as CEO of Weber Shandwick offices in New York and Tokyo, Japan. In more recent years, he and his wife, Betsy Buckley, founded McGrath-Buckley Communications Counseling. Most recently, he also served the Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in a consulting capacity as Director of Communications and served as Senior Public Relations Counselor at Himle Rapp & Company, Inc. McGrath served on the boards of many community and nonprofit organizations, including the Minnesota Zoo, DeLaSalle High School, the Community University Health Center, Minneapolis Aquatennial, ThreeSixty Journalism and Greater Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association. He was also the past President of the Minnesota Press Club, elected as a PRSA Fellow and served as President of the PRSA Counselors Academy. Dennis graduated from DeLaSalle High School and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a B.A. degree in Journalism. He had a passion for life and dedicated much of his time to serving the community. He adored his wife Betsy and family dearly. Dennis was an avid consumer of news, boxing fanatic and all-around Minnesota sports fan. He was beloved for his unceasing generosity, kindness, humor and genuine regard for friends, family, colleagues and all he met. He was a true Irishman, a grand storyteller, with high ethics, integrity and a devout Catholic. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Rosalia McGrath and James W. McGrath, the well-known former Vice President and General Manager of Hubert W. White's men's store in Mpls.; Michael McGrath of New York City; brother. Mara McGrath Bitros of New York City; sister. Dennis is survived by loving family members including his wife Betsy Buckley of St. Paul; son, Dan McGrath and daughter-in-law, Carolyn Will of St. Paul; daughter, Amy McGrath of Hopkins; step-son Felix Buckley-Jones of St. Paul and his partner, Alina Hornfield; brother-in-law, James Bitros of New York City; his beloved grandchildren Sean Erickson, Dan Erickson, Margaret Ulland, Connor McGrath, Anthony McGrath, Ruben Buckley-Jones; and his loyal dog, Seamus. Dennis at all times, even during his recent illness, maintained, and was known for, his great care and compassion toward others. He always made every effort to make a meaningful connection with those he met or cared for. The family wishes to express special heartfelt thanks to Dennis' caregivers at the UMP Mill City Clinic, University of Minnesota Fairview Hospitals, Catholic Eldercare, his personal care attendant and field trip partner, Kara Goebel, and hospice care. A reviewal will be held at O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home, 575 Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN on Friday, May 18 from 4:00-8:00 PM. The memorial Mass will be held at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 215 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, May 19 at 10:00 AM, followed by Celebration of Life at the Minneapolis Club, 729 2nd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to DeLaSalle High School, 1 De La Salle Dr, Minneapolis, MN or ThreeSixty Journalism.

Published on May 18, 2018