Ralph F. McGrath
August 2, 1939 - January 3, 2026
Ralph F. McGrath went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Born in Cambridge, Md, on August 2, 1939, he was the oldest son of Ralph Winfield McGrath and Amie Rebecca Francis Adams. After graduating from William Penn High School in 1957 and the Community College of the Air Force, Mr. McGrath served his country for over 42 years as a member of the Delaware Air National Guard where he was the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the unit’s Disaster Preparedness Section. While there, he also served for over 25 years as a member of the unit’s rifle squad in the Base’s Honor Guard.
His awards include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Reserve Medal, Air Force Longevity Medal with three Hourglasses, Air Force Outstanding Volunteer Medal, Conspicuous Service Medal, Medal for Military Meri, Medal for Aid to Civil Authority, and Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with a Bronze Star.
Mr. McGrath was also a certified firearms instructor for the National Rifle Association. In this capacity, he volunteered to teach firearm safety and marksmanship at Camp Rodney Boy Scout Reservation each summer for over 20 years. He also was the Director of Junior Activities of the Brandywine Rod & Gun Club for over 18 years. Mr. McGrath was a member of the First Baptist Church in New Castle, where for many years, he was active in the church’s visitation program. In addition, he was also a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 1578 in New Castle and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Newark. For over fifteen years, he was the Adjutant and Financial Officer for the American Legion J. Allison O’Daniel Post 10 in Newark, Delaware.
Upon his retirement, Mr. McGrath continued the travels that he started with his first wife, Ruth, during which he visited every state in the union and some thirty-five foreign nations.
In addition to his parents, Mr. McGrath was preceded in death by his first wife of 38 years, Ruth S. McGrath, who passed away in September 1998; his oldest son, Ralph F. McGrath, Jr., who passed away in February 2001; and his second wife of twenty years, Evva N. (Assimos) McGrath, who passed away on July 24, 2021. He is survived by his fiancé, Joy H. Wahl of Wilmington, DE; son, Robert F. McGrath (Kristen) of Townsend, DE; 2 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm. A committal service will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
Depending on the severity of the predicted January 25-26 storm, this service will be live streamed HERE if video personnel can travel safely.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. McGrath’s name to the J. Allison O’Daniel American Legion Post 10, 100 Veterans Drive, Newark, DE 19711.
Richard Holding
Ralph was a fine person and patriotic citizen who totally immersed himself in all of his endeavors. He will be greatly missed as my friend.
Cynthia Thornton-Landis
May you rest in honor and peace.
Eugene A Ionescu
My wife and I met Ralph in 2022 and we had the chance to travel with him and Ms. Joy Wahl in 2023 to Williamsburg and Jamestown, Virginia. Ralph was the perfect guide knowing and explaining us everything about this part of American History. A unforgettable week as he will be for us, Gabriela and I, Unforgettable!
Jeff Warrick
Rest in Peace my Brother. Till we meet again, my friend.
GARY HAYDEN
So glad to have known Ralph and his family. Wonderful man. Praying for God’s peace.
Ellen and Robert Kurtz
So sorry for your loss A great man. May his memory be a blessing.ellen and bob
Anita W Barnes
My sincere condolence, I only met Ralph a few times but I know how happy he made my Aunt, Joy Wahl. He was obviously an amazing man and will be greatly missed by the whole community.
Clifford Snyder
Ralph was terrific guy. As a young airmen he was an NCO I would look up to for his dedication and leadership.
Kathy Willis
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for Bob & Kristen and your entire family. We love you guys.
PJ & Kathy
George McDowell
Ralph was an outstanding gentleman and representative of our National Guard. The role he played in my life and that of our daughter when he and Ruth were the Ruth and Ralph show at the rifle range at Rodney has had lifelong significance. His was always the first Christmas card! See you on the other side my friend.
Charles Assimos II
Ralph was a tough act to follow. His dedication in everything he did was beyond reproach. I hope to measure up to the standard he set. I must succeed in that goal so that I may see him again in heaven.
Jackie Etzweiler
Ralph was a wonderful person and mentor.
I first met Ralph in 2010 when my father passed away.
Ralph recruited me for the American Legion in Newark.
He helped me learn the ropes, so to speak, as an officer in the American Legion, and he was always great to talk to.
I learned so much from him, and I will miss him greatly.
Sonny & Ellen Pangalilingan
Dearest Ms. Joy & Family,
You are in our thoughts & prayers specially in this difficult time.
May you find comfort in the outpouring of Love surrounding you.
Sonny & Ellen Pangalilingan
Sid and Dana Walden
Our deepest condolences, our prayers are with the family and friends. May God bless you with peace and comfort during this time.
Pastor Jimmy Ezell
I am honored to have know Ralph ( and Joy). He was an inspiration to know and hear him share of his faith journey and life journey. My prayers are for Joy and the family.
Yvette Gbemudu
Ralph was a wonderful part of the worship and fellowship of North Baptist Church. There is a large hole in our sanctuary and our hearts with his loss and Joy’s absence. So grateful that I I don’t have to worry that he is resting peace. Love you in Christ, Ralph. See you on the other side someday.
-Yvette Gbemudu
Patricia Ivie
Ralph, you are missed. I came to treasure your faithfulness and love for the Lord and his church. Your stories and humor brought joy to many. You are missed, but I’ll see you in heaven.
Diane H Ezell
Dearest Heavenly Ralph,
Yes, as everyone has said >>”You Will be Surely Missed‼️” 💯🤷♀️☹️ Your charming smile across your sweet face, the sparkle that was always in your eyes , & your happy laugh, especially when you “got us” with your riddle, joke or story. Just the sweet presence of our loving Lord that was like a complete, shape of a heart that just permeated your being!! You were a walking testimony of Him living in You❣️🙏✝️💜. Thank you for the Joyful Love of the last 4 yrs you gave the Family Members of North Baptist Church in Wilmington. We are a better church because of You‼️👏🏼🥳🎉💯💞
GARY ASSIMOS
It was wonderful to see Ralph and Evva travel together with their 10 year plan twice over. Ralph was talented loyal and dedicated his whole life and will be missed by family and friends.
Katelyn McGrath
My pop pop was a great man who cherished his family as well this country. I enjoyed listening to him telling me about his time serving the United States and learning all about his life growing up. He also gave great advice to help set me up for success in the future. I will miss our conversations, but I’ll always remember them.
Bill & Anna Hibbert
Sending our condolences to Joy & Ralph’s family. Ralph was an amazing man and we will miss him!! May God bless you with peace & comfort during this difficult time.
Charles Assimos II
I had hoped to say some things at the funeral, but the snow-sleet-freezing rainstorm, Fern, prevented Inga and I from attending.
To the self admitted, dirty rotten scoundrel. Ralph was a very humble man. Though I knew some of his accomplishments, I never knew he accomplished so many things. The obituary should have started with, bring a lunch.
He was brought up during The Depression by his aunt and uncle who were sharecroppers. Money and food were challenging. Frequently, Ralph was given a rifle and tasked to go out into the field until he got some meat. He made rabbit traps too. As a young man he became a boiler maker and pipe fitter.
At his first dinner with Ruth’s parents, Ruth’s mother asked him if he wanted salad. His response was, “Do I look like a rabbit?” Ruth slid under the table. He didn’t mince words. Though he had the energy of the Eveready Rabbit, but he wasn’t a rabbit.
Ralph always provided help and advice. Without interfering, he provided valuable direction as Gary and I struggled to perform our executor responsibilities for Craig and Mom.
If I had to find a human fault, it would be that sometimes he had a short fuse, especially when it came to being on time. However, he never held a grudge.
He was smart as a whip and had a memory like an elephant for details. When we went on cruises, he knew the boat stats for length, tonnage, number of crew and passengers for each boat we sailed on. If he wasn’t a genius, he was only one point from being one.
You might say Ralph lived the American Dream. How did he do this? He listened to advice, he took initiative, worked hard and dedicated. He went from dirt poor to a well-to-do man who happily retired and traveled all over the US and the world. He was generous, thoughtful, wise, caring, loving, a good son, father, husband and friend. If this is being a dirty rotten scoundrel, I hope to become one too.