Originally from Philadelphia, Boyd McGranaghan moved to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University in 1972. After attaining a bachelor's degree in political science in 1976, he graduated from Marquette Law School in 1979. McGranaghan worked several years at the Kmiec Law Office and formed his own firm with partner Christopher J. Stawski in 1987.

McGranaghan was active in several professional and community organizations. He taught business law at Milwaukee Area Technical College, and he was on the boards of directors of the West End Community Association, Polish Fest, and the Cream City Business Association.

McGranaghan performed as an actor for the Sunset Players and Bay View Players theatre groups, where he appeared in "Sweeny Todd" and "The Fantastics". He was also called upon as an emcee for at least 20 state and local beauty pageants.

Boyd died February 3, 1990 from complications of pneumonia, at the age of 35. He was survived by his partner, Dennis Jackson, plus a sister and a brother, both living in the Philadelphia area. Funeral services were held February 6, and burial was at the Arlington Park Cemetery.