November 25, 1938 – December 30, 2025
Paul Joseph McGrattan
November 25th,1938 – December 30th, 2025
It is with deep love and gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of Paul Joseph McGrattan at
the age of 87. Paul lived a long, full life grounded in faith, family, and quiet strength. He leaves behind a
legacy of devotion, kindness, and unwavering hope.
Born to Mary Margaret (Leahy) McGrattan and Paul Marshall McGrattan, the oldest of eight siblings,
Paul embraced responsibility early and became a guiding presence for his family. Throughout his life, he faced profound loss – including his parents, three sisters, and one brother – yet he met every challenge with remarkable resilience and an unshakable belief in the goodness of life.
Paul’s foundation was his deep Catholic faith. As a young man, he pursued a life of service as a priest,
making his family immensely proud. Though his journey later led him in a new direction, the values
formed during those early years – compassion, humility, and generosity of spirit – remained at the core
of who he was. That journey brought him to his beloved wife, Maxine (nee Keilty)- his companion, his closest friend, and the love of his life. Together, they shared a partnership strengthened by mutual respect, laughter, and a steadfast bond that carried them through life’s joys and challenges.
Sports – especially hockey – were among Paul’s great passions. He didn’t simply watch; he studied the
game. He cherished the strategy, the history, the energy of it all and fully immersed himself in the game.
From coaching minor hockey teams to leading the 1966–67 Fredericton Capitals to a New Brunswick title and the Eastern Canada Intermediate A Championships, Paul brought enthusiasm, knowledge and heart to every bench he stood behind. His accomplishments were acknowledged with recognition on the
Fredericton Sports Wall of Fame – a fitting tribute to a man who inspired countless players and took
great joy in their success.
Paul was also immensely proud of his education. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, he wore his X-Ring with honour – a symbol of community and achievement he cherished throughout his life. He
served as Life President of the Class of 1960 and later as President of the StFX Alumni Association from 1972-1977. His dedication to StFX never faded, and he continued to maintain meaningful connections with fellow alumni for decades.
Paul’s working life included a distinguished career at Renous Correctional Institute, where he retired in
2004 as a Case Management Supervisor. He was admired for his fairness, integrity, and humanity –
respected by colleagues and inmates alike. He believed in people, and that belief made him both
effective and deeply appreciated. To his many nieces and nephews, Uncle Paul was a steady and reliable presence – always reaching out, always staying in touch, always showing his care through attention and genuine interest in their lives.
In his later years, Paul found comfort and compassionate support at Rocmaura, where he was
surrounded by kindness and friendship. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff for their
exceptional care during his final chapter. Paul is survived by his brother Tom (Betty) McGrattan; his sisters Elizabeth (Jim) McGrattan, Helen (Doug) Carter; several nieces and nephews, Maxine’s six children, extended family and friends. Paul was predeceased by his mother and father; sisters and brothers-in-law Carol (Greg) O’Brien, Marie (Jack) Maxwell; sister Norah Downey and brother Kevin (Joan) McGrattan.
Paul will be remembered as a devoted son and brother, a loving husband, a proud uncle, a respected
colleague, and a man whose quiet faith guided him always. He lived with humility, loved deeply, and left
the world better simply by being in it. He is now reunited with those who went before him and held forever in the hearts of all who loved him.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Spring from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
In honour of Paul’s memory, donations may be made to Rocmaura Nursing Home, or to a local food
bank, shelter or charity of the donor’s choice.
