Sean Higgins McGrath was 73 years old, and passed away at home on October 7, 2024, with loved ones by his side.
Sean was born in Oxnard, California, on October 29, 1950, the son of Lenora “Lee” Carroll McGrath and Thomas Francis “Frank” McGrath Jr.
He was the youngest of three children, and loved and adored his sister, Bridget, and brother Tom. He was a proud fourth-generation member of the McGrath farming family.
Sean attended Santa Clara elementary and high schools in Oxnard, and attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
He was a lifelong member and supporter of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation, and an instrumental and dedicated supporter of the National Disaster Search Dog Rescue Foundation, located in Santa Paula, California, an organization very close to his heart.
He farmed many different commodities with his father, Frank, brother Tom, and independently for most of his career, and was successful in many other business ventures.
Sean was a member of the Rancheros Visitadores and Rancheros Adolfo, and a lover of cowboy culture and history.
He was a humorous, generous and a thoughtful uncle to his four nieces, and a loving friend to many. He had a deep love of animals, enjoyed travel, and his time and adventures in the Santa Ynez Valley and at home in Somis.
Sean is survived by his former wife, Diane McGrath; his sister in law, Brianne Johansen McGrath; his four nieces, Marianne Carroll McGrath (Michael Napolitano), Helen Conroy McGrath (Peter Chausse), Patricia Lee McGrath and Kailyn Bridget McGrath (Andrew Dennis); as well as his great-niece, Marlowe Rose Napolitano; and two great-nephews, Tomas Francisco McGrath-Chausse and Pedro Kaj McGrath-Chausse; and his beautiful chocolate lab, Lucy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonora and Frank McGrath; his brother, Thomas “Tom” Francis McGrath III; his sister, Bridget McGrath Massey (Doug Massey); and many dear friends, cousins and animals.
The family requests any memorial contributions be made to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley or the CSU Channel Islands Foundation in lieu of flowers.
A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. October 19, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 W. Ventura St. in Fillmore, with a reception to follow at Flying M Ranch, 1061 Simi St. in Fillmore.