Todd Robert McGrath

Todd Robert McGrath left for his final journey on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Todd entered this world on May 3, 1947, in Ames, Iowa as the first child of L. Robert and Mary Jean McGrath. The young family soon moved to Greenfield, Wis. Todd and his brother, Tim helped their parents build a home in 1952. Todd attended Greenfield public schools and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1965. He then enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with a BA in History in 1969. An early childhood passion was collecting and trading baseball cards. Todd's first job was as a paperboy for the Milwaukee Journal. He used his earnings to buy a go kart and with typical generosity Christmas gifts for his parents and siblings. As a young man he also bought a Fender Jaguar electric guitar and amplifier and had a short lived career in a teenage garage band. Todd really enjoyed sports and lifting weights and was a fan of the Milwaukee Braves and a lifelong follower of the Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers. He also wrestled and played football for the mighty Greenfield Hawks. Todd gained many friends among his team mates and their friendship lasted until the end of his life.As the eldest of seven children Todd was both pathfinder and navigator for his brothers and sisters. He led by example and was a good son and brother who offered help, guidance and inspiration to all of us. After college Todd entered a period of discovery and transformation while he traveled, worked and lived throughout the western United States and Mexico. He often referred to himself as a vagabond poet and tumbleweed traveler. Todd entered the real estate business in 1977, where he worked in both the residential and investment sides of that profession. He soon realized his true passion was in real estate development and he was among the first group of people who started the renaissance of downtown Madison. Todd conceived and completed many fine buildings which contributed to the renewal of this beautiful urban space. His legacy in brick, glass and concrete lives on. At too early of an age Todd fell victim to the ravages of Alzheimer's. He waged a decade long struggle against this disease with dignity and grace while trying to hang on to the flakes of memory that were falling away. We all  bore  witness  with  anger  and  despair  while  this  disease claimed another member of our  family.  Yet to the very end Todd never lost his sweet and gentle nature and tried to help others who shared his condition. Preceding Todd in their leaving were his grandparents, Daniel and Ethel McGrath and Thomas and Dorothy Smith; brother, Timothy McGrath; father, Robert McGrath; and sister-in-law, Rita McGrath.Todd leaves behind his dear sweet mother, Mary Jean McGrath;  sister-in-law, Susan McGrath; sisters, Kerry  (Russell)  Wilson,  Nancy  (Stephan)  Krumrei and Mary Barbara (James) Hixon; and brothers, Kevin  McGrath  and  Lance  (Emily)  McGrath.  Also his love, Cindy Keene; and her sons, Jerod and Andrew.  In addition many nieces and nephews also mourn Todd. They are Brendan, Nora and Willa McGrath and Erica Hellestad; Molly McGrath, Brad and Lucy Wuotila; Sean McGrath and Mallory Williams; Zach, Marcia, Catalina and Samuel Wilson; Emily Wilson and Garret Anderson; Druri, Nicole and Sierra Tobias; Charley Campbell, Kara Kuhn and Mya Marshall; Natalie Krumrei and Ramsey Zakaria; Stephanie, Sean and Dominic Christensen; Mallory Krumrei; Kate, Brian, Trevor and Cole Hixon;    and Taylor, Kelsey, Payton and Colin McGrath. Also many aunts, uncles and cousins from the McGrath and Smith families. Todd also had many lifelong friends who were with him to the end. A Memorial Service will be held at GOODMAN COMMUNITY CENTER, EVJUE COMMUNITY ROOM, 149 Waubesa Street, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017.  A Celebration of Life will follow the service until 3 p.m.   In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association - South Central Wisconsin Chapter in memory of Todd would be welcomed by his family.  Todd's family treasures and will never forget the love, care and dignity that the angels at the memory care unit of BrightStar Senior Living rendered unto him. Todd your family is suffering from the deep sadness of losing you, but we know that better days are ahead, when laughter and joy will banish tears and sorrow as we remember your life and how blessed we were to share it.