Dan McGrath died on January 22, 2009, a week before his 76th birthday.  He entered the Academy from Minneapolis and the Naval Reserve.  His short statue and erect bearing quickly earned him the nickname “The Penguin”, which he fully enjoyed.  He was also noted for reciting “Dangerous Dan McGrew” at the behest of the Upper Class, and he continued thereafter upon request.  He played handball for fun,  worked at varsity fencing, and sang with the Catholic choir.  He met his future wife, Marie, during First Class Year, and graduated as a member of the Ninth Company. 

Upon graduation Dan was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.  After attending Basic School in Quantico he married Marie and proceeded to Pensacola for flight instruction.  He completed his service obligation as a Captain, Naval Aviator and A-4 pilot at NAS Atsugi, Japan.  After leaving the service, Dan joined the IBM Corporation’s Federal Systems Division as a field engineer providing end-user technical services to customers, including the Goddard Space Flight Center.  Dan received many commendations and awards for his work from both IBM and federal agencies. Upon retirement from IBM, Dan became very involved  in his religious faith. 

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marie T. McGrath; his children Margaret (Amir) Gasemy and Daniel (Amy) McGrath; grandchildren Nicholas, Kiersten and Drew; and sisters Joan Cleary and Michele Donahue. His remains will be interred at the Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium. Semper Fi, Dan, and THINK.