Sean Michael McGrath Profile Photo
1950 Sean 2025

Sean Michael McGrath

March 23, 1950 — April 26, 2025

Sean Michael McGrath, beloved father, brother, and grandfather passed away in his home on April 26, 2025. He was 75 years old.

Born Sean Louis Salisbury on March 23, 1950 in St. Paul, Minnesota; Sean lived in the St. Paul area for most of his life and, due to family circumstances, eventually changed his name to Sean Michael McGrath. He was the proud father of two children: son Jason McGrath (Ann) and daughter Monica Deutschmann (Michael). Sean is survived by his children, his sister Lesley Stahl (Ray), brother Terry McGrath (Jane) and six grandchildren Connor, Kiley, Madelyn, Jordan, Jaxon, and McKenzie. He is proceeded in death by his Father (Francis McGrath), Mother (Jeanne Salisbury) and brother (Patrick McGrath).

A St. Paul Golden Gloves boxing champion in 1966; Sean’s interest in law enforcement led him to a short career as a St. Paul police officer, and a 16-year career as a Youth Corrections Officer at the Hennepin County Home School in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

His career came to end after a motorcycle accident left him in a coma for three months with numerous broken bones and a severe brain injury. An additional 18-month recovery included extensive physical and occupational therapy, which brought him back to his family, thankful to be alive.

In retirement, Sean loved to spend time with his family and his grandchildren; and could be found at the McGrath family lake home in the Spring and Summer, carving pumpkins with his grandchildren in the Fall, and building a snowman with them in the Winter.

Fiercely loyal to family and friends, Sean was a unique mix of soft and savage. One friend described Sean this way: “To the world, you are a lion. But to me, you’re just a big pussycat.”

Sean’s family is hosting a celebration of Sean’s life on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Kessler & McGuire Funeral Home, 604 West 7th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102.

Immediately following; please join the McGrath family for heavy appetizers and a toast to Sean at The Pool & Yacht Club, 1600 Lilydale Road, St. Paul, MN 55118.

In lieu of gifts and/or flowers, the family requests donations in Sean’s memory to The National Fraternal Order of Police. https://fop.net/donate

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear."

To send flowers to the family in memory of Sean Michael McGrath, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Celebration of Life

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Kessler & McGuire Funeral Home

604 7th Street West, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Gathering

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Starts at 7:00 pm (Central time)

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