Brian McGraw
Posted By Families Firstcare On February 22, 2019 @ 6:58 pm In Obituaries | 1 Comment
Brian J. McGraw, 49, of Savannah, Georgia, died on February 20, 2019, surrounded by loved ones at Candler Hospital after a courageous five-month battle with cancer. Brian was born on June 20, 1969, at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, to Hugh and Martha (née Whalen) McGraw. He grew up in Fair Lawn and Demarest, New Jersey, and graduated from Bergen Catholic High School. After briefly attending Suffolk University in Boston, he worked in sales at Tiffany & Co. and Paul Stuart, both in New York City, and then in real estate after moving to Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Brian was previously married to Nancy McGraw (née Ignall), of Brooklyn, New York, for 15 years. He worked in real estate and contracting in Savannah for the last six years of his life.
Brian was a man who brought people from all walks of life together, be they country boys who lay tile or Wall Street high rollers. He was as comfortable at a CBGB punk show in 1980s New York City as he was sharply dressed and sipping Manhattans at the King Cole Bar. A true gentleman, he enjoyed spending time talking to, laughing with and feeding his family and countless friends. He was happiest cooking in the kitchen, behind his bar mixing classic cocktails, or going on adventures with loved ones. There were no dull moments with Brian. People wanted to be around him, and to be with him meant a good time, full of stories and laughter. He was Frank Sinatra, Pete Townshend and Anthony Bourdain wrapped up into one uniquely beautiful person. He possessed a lust for life and was loved and admired by many.
Brian is survived by his beloved and devoted life partner of four and a half years, Laura Pleasants, of Savannah, and was preceded in death by his parents. Brian is also survived by his sisters Karen Garappolo and her husband Colin Cady of Los Gatos, California, and Gail McGraw of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He also leaves behind three nephews, Matthew Garappolo of Savannah, Daniel Garappolo of Long Beach, California, and Clancy McGraw of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
At his request, Brian’s remains were cremated. A private memorial service will be held in Savannah on Saturday, March 9. Friends are welcome to reach out for details. A second memorial will be held on Saturday, March 23, 1 p.m. at The Clinton Inn, 145 Dean Drive, Tenafly, New Jersey.
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So very sorry to hear of the passing of this fine gentleman. I’ve known him since his high school days when he became fast friends with my son, Frank Ricci. On my visit to Savannah last year, I was happy to share a meal with Brian and Laura at Franks. He will be missed by many. He and Laura and his entire family will remain in my prayers, as will Frank, his best friend.