Gerald E. "Jerry" McGrain

Gerald E. "Jerry" McGrain, 92, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center in Worcester.

He leaves his loving wife of 67 years, Marie (Roy); his three daughters, MaryEllen Para of Shrewsbury, Christine McGrain and her husband Bill Kelly of Grafton, and Marie O'Brien and her husband Kevin of Boylston; his two sons, Stephen McGrain of Worcester and Michael McGrain and his wife Grace of Campbell, CA. He also leaves 11 grandchildren, Todd (Nicole) McGrain, Sean Cronin, Meghan (Taso) Milonopoulos, Rachel (Sam)King, Kaitlin (Blake) Hilts, Kyle (Courtney) McGrain, Erin (Rick) Molnar, Lindsey Fogle, Hillary Fogle, Conor and Julia O'Brien. In addition, he leaves 11 cherished great grandchildren Athena, Ramona, McKenna, Mia, Mathaios, Gwendolyn (Winnie), Josephine, Peyton, Jordan, Hunter and Keller, his brother Thomas McGrain and his wife Carol of Worcester, his sister-in-law Katherine Lindley of Worcester, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister Rosemary McGrain DesGranges.

He was born in Worcester on November 29, 1929 to Leslie and Marie (Heagney) McGrain. He graduated from St. John's High School in 1947 and from Fitchburg State College in 1951, and earned a Master's Degree from Worcester State College in 1953. He proudly served in the Massachusetts National Guard for 15 years.

Jerry worked in the Worcester Public Schools for 35 years. He rose to become the Director of Adult Education, where he instituted a year- round, full time Adult Learning center for Basic Education/ESL and a High School Equivalency Program and Testing Center. He also developed the Worcester Night Life Continuing Education Program, which continues to offer hundreds of courses in vocational training and career certification. After retiring from the Worcester Public Schools, Jerry worked for over a decade at Diamond Chevrolet, where he fulfilled a life-long dream of becoming a salesman.

Jerry was a longtime resident of West Boylston, where the McGrain's built a home and raised their family. After their retirement, Jerry and Marie moved to Harwichport, MA, where he enjoyed the company of friends at The Newcomers Club, The Garden Club and The ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out). He served on the Harwich Recreation Board, and even took a part-time job as a towel boy at Ocean Edge Resort in his eighties, just to prove that "anyone can get a job if they really want to!" His strong work ethic and value of education were driving factors in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

It was Jerry's pride and joy to be the head of his large and rambunctious family. Their home on the Cape became the center of many family vacations and all were invited to "come anytime and stay as long as you want!" He even "did his magic" to make sure they enjoyed nice weather. He entertained friends and family during the holiday season with special visits from "Santa Claus" over six decades. Jerry and Marie travelled extensively thanks to his brother Tom of McGrain Travel enjoying many cruises and tours of Europe and the Islands. They also enjoyed winters in Naples, FL for many years until they were unable to travel any longer. He continued to dream of moving to Florida (where it's warm !!) until his passing.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 29,2022 at Fay Brothers Life Celebration Funeral Home, 1 West Boylston St. West Boylston, MA from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a funeral service following at the funeral home. If you are unvaccinated or feeling ill, we respectfully ask you to wear a mask to protect our vulnerable family members. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made to Elder Services of Cape Cod, 100 Oak St. Harwich, MA 02645 Attn: Meals on Wheels Program in appreciation of their years of service to the family.