Patrick T. McGrail

Patrick Thomas McGrail History

Patrick Thomas McGrail (Pat McGrail) was born on March 4th, 1932 in Denver, Colorado. He was the only child in his family. His father was Thomas James McGrail, and his mother was Josephine Mary (Young) McGrail.

Pat was born at the old Mercy hospital located on east 17th Avenue across from city park. Later this hospital closed down, and the building was demolished several years ago to make room for a modern high-rise residential building.

As a child growing up, his family lived in numerous places in Denver, in the inner city, mostly on the northeast side. His family would frequently move when the rent became too expensive due to the difficult, post-depression economy. One of his temporary homes and his least favorite was at east 37th Avenue and north Lafayette Street; it had no indoor plumbing, just a good old-fashioned outhouse. His favorite home was at 1915 North Emerson Street. His family lived here for several years and Pat had many friends in this neighborhood.

Pat went to kindergarten through 5th grade and at Loyola Catholic School, at east 23rd Avenue and north York Street. Pat attend Cathedral Catholic School, for grades 6 through 12. This was located at east 18th Avenue and north Logan Street. In his Senior Year High School Annual, Pat was described by his classmates this way: “Wiz at sports . . . big of stature . . . big of heart . . . loved by all.”

After graduating from high school, Pat earned a college scholarship to play football. However, after only one semester, he left college early, as he felt an obligation to serve our country during the Korena War conflict. Pat joined the United States Air Force and served for two years.

As a child growing up Pat always dreamed of becoming a Fireman on the Denver Fire Department (DFD). He would see DFD fire companies responding to and operating at fires and other various emergencies. He wanted to be a part of this great organization and the fire service brotherhood. Pat fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Fireman with the DFD on April 1, 1955.

Pat met his wife, Virginia Mary (Fonte) McGrail at a Cathedral High School pep rally and bonfire in 1951. It was love at first sight for both, and they would marry

on October 26, 1955 after Virginia completed college and Pat completed his probationary period on the DFD. They married at Blessed Sacrament Church on east Montview Boulevard. They had a simple breakfast reception at the DX Club over in north Denver.

As a newly married couple, their first home together was the upstairs apartment in an old Denver Square at 3421 North Zuni Street over in north Denver. Their first house was at 3120 West 27th Avenue over in north Denver. It was while living here that their first son, Stephen Patrick was born in 1956, the first of three boys in their family. Terrence Joseph was born in 1959, and David was born in 1963.

Their second house was in south Denver near Washington park. This was closer to Virginia’s work; she was a Registered Nurse at Swedish hospital for 25-years. They both worked hard, with Pat having a day-off job to make ends meet. In 1974 they moved to southeast Denver, where they would live for the next 50-years. Pat loved the city of Denver and lived here his entire life.

During his career with the DFD, Pat was assigned to the busiest fire stations and fire companies, mostly downtown. Pat rose through the ranks serving as a Fireman for 11 years, an Engineer (Driver Pump Operator) for 2 years, a Lieutenant for 4 years, a Captain for 11 years, an Assistant Chief (District Chief) for 13-years, and finally, a Division Chief for 1-year. Pat retired on January 4, 1997, as the Division Chief of Fire and Emergency Operations. He served the citizens of Denver for nearly 42-years. During his career he responded to over 50,000 fires and other various emergency calls. He earned numerous commendations for his meritorious service. Countless lives were saved by Pat and the men under his command over four decades.

Pat was raised Catholic and was very devout. throughout his life. He attended daily Mass for his entire life rarely missing day. He was living a very independent life at 93 years old, driving himself to Mass on Friday morning, April 11th, 2025. After battling a short, but severe illness, he passed six days later on Thursday evening, April 17th, 2025. At that time, he joined his wife Virginia with their loving Father in heaven. Although it is very hard for his family, this was a happy day for Pat, as he missed Virginia every day since her passing in 2023.

Pat is survived by his three sons, his daughters in law Pamela (Terrence), Gina (David), and his five grandchildren, Michael, Anthony, Nicholas, Caroline, and Joseph.

Pat was a man defined by his faith, his family, and his service as a Denver Fireman. He was very social. He loved to visit and share stories. He loved sports as a spectator and participant. He treated all people with respect and dignity, putting others, especially his family before himself. He was always a courteous and polite man, and a true professional on the DFD. He never used foul language and lived as a man of God. He is an excellent example of what it means to be a good man. He was a giant. May he rest in peace, and with his soul in heaven, watch over, guide, and protect us as our newest guardian angel.