Shelton plans tribute to McGrath at lacrosse game vs. Fairfield Prep

The lacrosse team is purchasing and wearing its own baby blue shirts with the No. 7 — McGrath’s favorite color and his number on the Prep lacrosse team — in recognition of the teenager.

Amy Romano, a friend of the McGrath family and Shelton Board of Education member, has joined with other families in purchasing an additional more than 100 T-shirts to distribute to family and friends attending the game.

The Dimauro family of Shelton is also making and donating No. 7 stickers which the Shelton High team can wear on their helmets in honor of McGrath.

“This game shows the community coming together to pay tribute to what (McGrath) meant to all of us,” Romano said.

Shelton Printing is also donating its services for the event. Romano said anyone who brings a white or blue shirt to the shop can have a No. 7 placed on the shirt free.

“This was a tragedy,” said Shelton Printing owner Adam Kuna. “They came to me and asked for help. I wanted to help any way I could. Whoever drops off a shirt, I will put on the No. 7.”

The game will also include a special recognition of McGrath.

McGrath was described as “always a positive, loving and caring person” in his obituary.

“Many described Jim as a wonderfully happy person with a big heart who was a loving friend to many,” his obituary read. “He loved his school, Fairfield Prep, and he excelled as an athlete in every sport he chose.”

McGrath played football and lacrosse for his school. In his younger years, he played the sports for Shelton and the Connecticut Wolves as well, according to his obituary.

“He understood the meaning of being part of a team,” his obituary states. “His loyalty and support of his team members were known to all and his team mates and coaches treasured his dedication and willingness to work hard so that the team could be the very best it could possibly be.”

“It was never just about Jimmy — it was always about the team,” his obituary said.

A walk-through visitation for McGrath will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. May 19 at the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola at Fairfield University, 1073 N. Benson Rd.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main. St. in Trumbull, at 11 a.m. May 20. His internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, McGrath’s family is asking for memorial donations to be made to Fairfield College Preparatory School in his memory.

Staff writer Liz Hardaway contributed to this report.