Kerri J. McGrath

Kerri J. McGrath, age 49, died at home on October 4, 2026. She was raised in St. Remy, NY, and graduated from Kingston High School in 1994. She later graduated summa cum laude from Marist College with a master’s degree in psychology, an accomplishment that further reflected her outspoken devotion to and care for children with special needs.

Kerri had many loves in her life. She loved to sail and was captain of her sailboat, named Dances with Wind. Her love of sailing earned her first prize in a prestigious sailboat racing event. A plaque bearing her name is displayed at the Maritime Museum in Kingston, NY.

She had a love for adventure and self-learning. She wanted to sing, so she sang. She wanted to play the piano, so she taught herself. She loved her dogs, Delia and Button.

She loved spending many summer days with her nephew, Connor, and her nieces, Reilly, Devynn, and Drew, taking them swimming at the Big Deep and sailing on the Hudson River. She loved her sisters, Elizabeth and Melissa, and her many friends. She shared the most enduring love with Ralph, along with the joyful companionship and strength they gave each other throughout their lives.

She wanted to be loving and kind, and she was.

Her family and friends felt her gentleness. They felt her tender heart. They felt how hard she tried. Kerri wanted to be true to herself, and she was.

Kerri loved sailing through the winds and the feeling of being free inside.

Be free, dearest Kerri.

Kerri was predeceased by her father, David McGrath. She leaves behind her life partner, Ralph Perreca; her mother, Jane McGrath; her sisters, Elizabeth McGrath and Melissa McGrath-Krajewski; and her nieces and nephew, Reilly McGrath-Reynolds, Devynn Krajewski, Drew Krajewski, and Connor Krajewski. She also leaves behind extended family and many friends who will miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2027. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the ASPCA.