In Memoriam: Rumson-Raised, RFH ’83 Grad, Teacher, Coach, Paul McGrade, 56

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
Confucius

“We will all meet again someday.
Now get out there and live!“
Paul McGrade

That’s what Rumson-raised Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Class of 1983 graduate Paul McGrade did. Known for his zest for life, the popular RFH guy, husband, dad, soccer and lacrosse coach, called by those who knew and loved him “one of the greatest, yet humble men to ever walk the Earth” departed peacefully from this life on Feb. 1 at 56. He was “surrounded by his loving and wonderful family.”

Growing up in Rumson and going to school there from elementary through high school at RFH, “Paul made many great longtime friends and managed to escape the (RFH) building innumerable times without detection, sometimes in a teacher’s car, creating hilarious lifelong memories, thank goodness for Max Matern …
He had the tremendous fortune of many great lessons from his parents … He had the great fortune of being a member of the funniest, most genuine, loyal family one could ever know. His siblings are beyond unique —
Let’s Go!”
Paul McGrade in his obituary

The friends he made in Ocean were some of the greatest people he has known, and the many students and athletes whom he had the pleasure and privilege to teach and coach created some of the greatest joys of his life-“I learned as much from them as they did from me.”

He received his undergraduate degree from MSU in 1988 and received dual graduate degrees from Monmouth University. After a short stint in the business world he realized his destiny lay somewhere else.

He became an educator for approximately 30 years in Ocean Township, teaching English-Language Arts Literacy and Social Studies.

In the last 25 years, he was a successful soccer and lacrosse coach.

“On top of it all, he was blessed with Amanda, who literally gave him a life, and she provided him with the greatest gifts in this life — Peter, Aubrey, and Addison. He will always be with them to guide and love forever. He is only a short distance away. Stick together-family means the most.”
Family in Paul McGrade’s obituary

Paul is predeceased by his father and mother, Robert and Joan McGrade, and his siblings Geralyn, Mark, Matthew, and Peter. He is presently enjoying all of their company once again.

Paul is survived by the love of his life Amanda, (she may debate that claim), and his three incredible children, Peter, Aubrey, and Addison, and his siblings and best friends Robert, Gregory, Regina, and John and sister-in-laws Carol McGrade and Gay Lowden.

There will be a memorial gathering on Sunday, Feb. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m., with words of remembrance at 3:30 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank.

In lieu of flowers, Paul requests that you provide a good deed or spread some positive energy to those in need.

“His dearest friends to the end know who they are. Thank you!”

— Edited obituary written by Paul McGrade via Thompson Memorial Home