Max left this earthly realm suddenly on September 22, 2017, age 14yrs, to the heartbreak of all.
Beloved son of Caroline McGrath (nee Brooker) and Robert McGrath. Adoring younger brother of Jillian McGrath. Grandson of Margaret Brooker. Also survived by loving cousins, aunts, uncles and friends and his cherished dog Leo who has now joined him. Max enjoyed ice hockey, track & field, travel and video games. Max was tender- hearted and had a sharp wit and the biggest smile. He loved nature and all animals. He didn’t understand cruelty and only wanted the best for all. We will miss him forever.
We want to wish Max a heavenly 21st birthday! I remember when he was just a little boy when his sister Jillian and Erin were in school together. He would patiently wait in his stroller for the girls. Years later we got to know him as an athlete for the St. Luke's CYO track team. He competed with Eamon and was still patient and kind but now he was fast! Ed got to be one of his CYO track coaches and saw how hard he worked for himself and his team. He was a team player and was super coachable. We are so glad we had the opportunity to get to know Max and his beautiful family. We hope you find some comfort in the fond memories we all have of him.
Lots of Hugs to you all,
The Coffey Family Ed, Stefanie, Erin, Eamon, and Evelyn
Happy birthday to Max!! We love and miss you cousin!
I will always cherish the memories of playing basketball with you at the cousin picnic, spending every Easter together (like in this very awkward photo) and having the best family vacations in Ocean City every year.
We’re thinking of you this week and always.
I hope you went to find Nathan and celebrated your birthdays together <3 Love forever, Nick and Ada
Caroline mcgrathAdorable photos. Precious cousins and moments. Thanks, Ada and Nick!
GM
Ginny McNally118w
Track
Happy 21st Max! You were such a pleasure to coach all of those years while you were on the track team. I enjoyed every minute of our time together both at practice and the meets and remember it as if it were yesterday. I’ll never forget your hard work and effort. You were the easiest going kid on the team. You never complained . Not a once. You did whatever was asked of you. You had grit and determination in addition to your obvious talent . And your joy of sprinting and jumping shone through with your shy and happy smile. Your parents loved to watch you run and jump too. They would spend hours working in the long jump pit and watching along the fence. Thank you Max for these wonderful memories.
We will meet again someday and I’m looking forward to it.
Even though I didn’t know you for a long time, I could tell you were very much cherished and loved by your family and friends. May your spirit full of love and beauty fly freely and happily just like my children’s book character Fantastic Floyd that you showed such interest in at one of your mom‘s parties. Please bless us with more of your signs. Warmly, Jon Needham
In 2013 Max and I were in the Glenside 4th of July Parade. I remember we were rollerskating alongside the Old York Road Raiders zamboni. Wish I could do it again, it was very fun. You can see in the video I found.
https://youtu.be/U9fdACWhpP0?si=_hc78cIFipVgf2BB
Max, I’m so grateful for the laughs and good times we got to spend together. We all miss you so much and think about you everyday. You live forever in our hearts. Wishing you a happy birthday in heaven & Please continue to watch over us 🦋💙
I remember when you first came home from Russia. I remember you with your big smiling face, jumping a mile a minute and playing video games with Danny on the couch. I look back at pictures of you all the cousins around the little pool in the backyard on Pleasant Avenue and you’re always jumping up because you never wanted to miss a thing, you were a fun kid and had a good heart. You were funny as hell I have seen those videos of you and Your mom remember the outfit that you wanted ,the costume ?oh my God you were the cutest cop I ever saw such a handsome guy great sense of humor and you playing your guitar doing your thing, I think what I’ll remember about you is how you still shine ,you and I have a connection like my last message from you saying aunt Di thanks for the 25 and I couldn’t remember what that meant until I remembered Jimmy‘s tattoo He has your number 25. I’m sad you’re you’re not here, I know you’re kicking some ass in the ice hockey field with God I mean the ice hockey rink I’m getting my sports together. You’ll never be forgotten. I Go to your cemetery a lot and connect with with you at the kitchen windowMaybe you’ll send me a monarch butterfly happy 21st birthday to you, my love, I know your peaceful and I know our life here is really quick so it won’t be long till we see you again in your policeman outfit. I love you forever and a day. Aunt Diane
I miss you every day in every way. I was so lucky to have a little brother like you, and I treasure the countless memories we shared. I hope to make you proud and know we will be together again. Until then, keep sending us signs. I love you!💛💛💛
I will always wish I had more time to get to know you, but in the time I got to spend with you, I could see how much joy you brought to everyone’s lives, especially your wonderful family! I am so proud of your sister every day for the way she carries on your memory. We miss you very much!
Your smiles, jokes, and playfulness added sparks of joy! Whether swimming, play dates or even school you made things more fun! What a good and kind friend. You have deeply touched our lives. Loved by Avery, Finn Gina and Patricia
Caroline mcgrathThanks for sharing these precious photos and for your memories -we love you all!
CM
Caroline mcgrath118w
From Angelina
Happy 21st birthday max!!! There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you! Although you weren’t my blood brother you were the best younger brother to me I could have ever had! You’re my brother in every eternity. I miss your perfect smile! I’ll forever cherish our memories together.. I hope you’re celebrating up there to despacito 🩷 I love you! happy birthday buddy - Angelina Dicicco
Caroline mcgrathMax loved you very much, Angelina!!
CS
Caroline Slu118w
Happy birthday Max!
Happy birthday to Max! I have many fond memories of playing & goofing around with him at family gatherings. My favorite times were at Ocean City in our usual little hotel with the pool. He was such a cute baby! Sending much love and kisses! :)
Caroline mcgrathThank you for being a great cousin!
TO
Trish Onzik118w
Happy 21st Birthday!!🎉🎂
Happy Birthday to you!! We miss you and your smile. You were a great friend to Jack. Know that we think of you often and we keep you in our prayers. You made an huge impact on our family. We miss you.
The Onzik Family
Caroline mcgrathWhat a great photo! I never saw it before. It means so much to see new photos of Max. Thank you so much for remembering our Max and for being so kind to him!
RB
Renee Brooker118w
Happy birthday to our nephew Max!!!
Happy birthday to you! 🥳🎂🎈🎉 Happy birthday to you!! 🥳 🎂🎈 Happy birthday, dear Max. 🎵 Happy birthday to you!! 🎁🎈🎂🎉 May the dear Lord 😇 bless Max… 🎵 We all love you and miss you Max. ⚾️ 🏈 ⚽️ 🥳🎂🎈🙏🏻🎵❤️ -Aunt Renee & Uncle David & Caroline, Ada, & Nick.
To the tow-headed boy/
Who bedazzled our lives/
And travelled the world/
In mere 14 years…/
Who raced with the wind/
And skated with grace/
And so deeply he loved/
Yet easily he hurt/
No adventures too small/
biggest smile of all/
Who shattered our hearts/
a million pieces of colored glass/
Who split open our souls and took us to new heights/
And taught us the meaning of true ache, love and hope/
Together we were/
Together we remain/
Forever you are/
Our beautiful boy!
