BRIAN THOMAS MCGRAW

On Friday, February 25, 2022, Brian Thomas McGraw, beloved son, brother, cousin, and uncle passed away at the age of 45 years. Brian's tenacity, friendship, courage, grace, generosity and gentle soul will forever be remembered by his father and best friend, Thomas McGraw, his two devoted brothers Matt and Joe and their wives Katherine and Leigh, his life-long friend, provider and protector Ruth Hlasko, his devoted nieces and nephews Katie, Tommy, Sydney, Josh, Sam and Drew McGraw. Brian will be fondly remembered by his dear friend Cam McNall and all his close friends, mentors and coaches of Medina County Special Olympics and the Medina County Work Study Group. Brian's gentleness and friendship will be cherished by the loving members of his devoted extended family that include uncles and aunts, cousins and their children, and a number of close family friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, and champion, Ruth McGraw.

A loving son in a close-knit family, Brian was born on April 14th,1976 in Euclid, Ohio and raised in Spencer. He graduated from Medina High School in 1995. Brian was a long-time Special Olympics athlete and participated for years in track and field, basketball, baseball and bowling. Bowling is the sport that Brian enjoyed the most as an adult for love of the game, but also because he cherished the time he spent with his coaches and teammates: Cam, Ruth, Rob Albrecht and his Dad. Brian was a devoted and valued employee at Blockbuster Video in Medina for many years where he was a customer favorite, providing movie reviews while he assisted them locating their favorite films. Brian also worked at Medina Creative Pet Play as a special and caring provider to anxious pets who were nervous around the other animals.

Brian was a long and faithful fan of the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Bengals, Ohio Sate Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fightin' Irish. One of his favorite hobbies was eagerly rooting for his teams with his Dad, brothers, cousins and nephews. Brian was a loyal fan but he was never upset or angry when his teams lost, as they often did. Brian loved music and enjoyed countless hours listening to the favorite performers that he shared with his Mom: Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers and The Beatles.

Brian was happiest at family events when he was able to spend special time with his aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. Brian was the social connector of his large family and was always sincerely interested in what each of his family members were doing, what they were interested in, what they were concerned about and how they felt. All who knew Brian knew a friend who loved them and was genuinely interested in them.

Brian's greatest joy was spending time with his Dad. The special relationship between Brian and Tom transcended the natural bond of father and son, and developed into a lifelong friendship that was defined by trust, respect and love. All who knew and shared their lives with Brian are better people due to his friendship and his example of how to live life despite the challenges and hardships that we all must experience. He will forever be remembered for his courage, tenacity and above all his grace in dealing with the challenges of human frailty.

Please join the family for a visitation for Brian on March 3rd, 2022 from 4pm until 8pm at Carlson Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 3477 Medina Road (corner of River Styx), Medina. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday, March 4, 2022 at St. Francis Xavier, 606 E Washington St, Medina, OH 44256.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Special Olympics Medina County (SOMC) www.mcbdd.org in Brian's memory.