Obituary of Edward R. McGraw

Obituary for Edward "Ted" McGraw (1937–2024) 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward “Ted” McGraw on October 3, 2024, at the age of 87. Ted leaves behind a rich legacy of love, music, and community. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Bridget McGraw (née Lyndon); his three children, John (Gina), Patricia (Scott Minty), and Michael (Kim); five beloved grandchildren, Sara (Matt Chapman), Erin (Ben Sanderson), Danielle, David (Jade), and Chase; a dear friend and musical contributor Seamus Connolly, many loving nieces and nephews both in the states and in Ireland and many other friends and family members who cared for him deeply. Ted was predeceased by his parents Helen (Coyne) and Edward McGraw, his sister Anne, his grandchildren Kyle and Ryan Minty and his brother and sister in law Jim and Josie (Lyndon) Finucane. 

A lifelong lover of Irish music and culture, Ted was an accomplished button accordion player and a deeply gifted and versatile musician. His mastery of the instrument made him a sought-after performer at festivals, Céilís and traditional Irish seisiúin throughout Rochester and beyond. Ted's remarkable talent culminated in the release of his CD "80 Years in the Making", a collection that showcases his decades-long dedication to the craft. Ted's love for music was inseparable from his love for people, and he found joy in sharing his art, both on stage and through personal connections. 

Ted was a pillar of the Irish-American community in Rochester, NY, and received countless awards and recognitions for his impact and profound contributions. He served as the Grand Marshal of the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1992. He was one of the founders of the Thomas Finucane branch of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and in 2003 he was inducted into the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Northeast Region Hall of Fame (an honor bestowed upon him for his lifelong work preserving and promoting Irish music). In 2006, the City of Rochester declared October 20th, “Ted and Bridget McGraw Day” to honor their decades of dedication to Irish music and culture. Ten years later, in 2016, he became the official archivist for North American Comhaltas, safeguarding invaluable recordings and materials. 

For more than four decades, Ted brought the sound of Ireland into the homes and hearts of his listeners through his beloved radio show, The Irish Party House, one of the longest-running Irish radio programs in the United States. What began as a local show eventually reached a global audience, where Ted’s warmth and dedication made the program a true gathering place for the Irish community. In 2017, after 43 years and 2,100 shows, Ted retired from the radio to spend more time with his family. He cherished these later years, enjoying weekends with Bridgie, their children, and grandchildren. 

Ted’s life was also filled with personal joys beyond his music. He loved his days at Honeoye Lake, where he spent time with family, particularly enjoying maintaining and driving his hydroplane boat across the waters — a fond memory that will live on with those who shared those moments.

Ted’s music room, filled with thousands of records, tapes, and books, was a testament to his lifelong devotion to Irish music. Ted made many contributions to Boston College and The Milwaukee Irish Cultural Community Archives where you can still download and listen to Ted’s collection. 

He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his contributions to the preservation and celebration of Irish music in America, and the joy he brought to countless lives. He leaves behind a family who adored him, a community that will miss his presence, and a legacy that will echo through the tunes he played and the stories he told. 

Slán agus go raibh maith agat, (Goodbye and Thank You) Ted. May he rest in peace. 

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a donation to the Golisano Children’s Hospital on behalf of his grandsons Kyle and Ryan Minty. Golisano Children's Hospital Gift and Donor Records 300 E. River Rd Rochester NY 14627. 

Visitation hours will be held at Falvo’s funeral home, 1295 Nine Mile Point Rd (Rt 250) Webster, NY on Oct 18, 2024 from 3-7 pm. Funeral mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church 1460 Ridge Rd Webster NY on Oct 19, 2024 at 10 am. Interment at Holy Sepulchre cemetery 2461 Lake Ave Rochester NY immediately following the funeral.