Lawrence John McGrath II

Lawrence John McGrath, II age 77, of Covington, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and friends.

Born in Hempstead, New York, on October 7, 1947, Larry (as he was affectionately known), graduated from Gannon University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He moved shortly thereafter to New Orleans, Louisiana, to attend Loyola Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1976. He received numerous awards for his excellent academic achievements including the American Jurisprudence Award for Torts. He became a member of the American Bar Association in 1976 and went to work at Birdsall, Alvarez and Associates Law Firm, Inc. Subsequently, he opened his own firm in the city of New Orleans where he practiced for nearly four decades with offices on Julia Street, the World Trade Center and in Canal Place.

Larry was an active member of the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day parade and served on the committee board from 1980-1987. He loved the arts, history and travel but above all he loved horses and horse racing. He owned several race horses throughout his life and followed horse racing across the country. His was a fixture at his favorite track, the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course where he spent virtually every weekend at his grandstand box.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Karin Schauf McGrath; his parents, Lawrence John McGrath and Helen Herman McGrath; his sisters, Donna McGrath and Loueen McGrath.

Larry is survived by his beloved sole daughter, Kimberly Anne McGrath and son in law, Segundo E. Ortiz (Ricardo). He leaves behind three sisters, Christine McGrath, Mary McGrath (Peter Wigg) and Barbara Downing along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Graveside Committal Service at St. Joseph’s Abbey, 75376 River Road, Covington, LA on February 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM with a Reception to follow at Turning Point Horse Farm in Folsom, Louisiana.

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