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Walter McGrade Obituary
Lowell High School Athletic Hall of Famer
DRACUT -- Walter F. "Herky" McGrade, age 74, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2014, at Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, after a short illness.
He was the beloved husband of Rosaleen McGrade.
He was born in Lowell on September 12, 1939, a son of Blanche (Demers) McGrade of Dracut and the late Walter McGrade. Herky was a longtime resident of Dracut and was formerly of Lowell. He received his education through Lowell schools, having graduated from Lowell High School where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. He was an avid sports fan and was the captain of the baseball team at the Stoklosa Middle School.
Prior to his retirement, Herky was employed with the city of Lowell as a custodian for 10 years, and also worked at Courier Citizen in Lowell for 20 years. He was a friend of Bill W.
Besides his wife, Rosaleen, and his mother, Blanche, he is survived by two daughters, Sandra Kulis and her husband, David of Lowell, Susan Faticanti and her companion, Mark Sousa of Salem, NH; a son, William McGrade of Derry, NH; two step children, Donny Wallace and Sally of Gloucester, and Dan and Kathy Monsen of Ayer; a sister, Frances Long and her husband, Warren of Dracut; a good friend, David LeBourdais of Lowell; his former wife, Carol Krawkoski of Derry, NH; 11 grandchildren, David Faticanti, David and Andrew Kulis, Megan, Jack, Lucy, Shannon and Ryan McGrade and John and Anna Monsen and Luke Wallace; one great-grandchild, Nadia Faticanti; also many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Paul McGrade.
McGRADE -- At his request, there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Wednesday morning, April 16 at 9:30 o'clock at St. Margaret Church, Lowell. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.active.com/donate/14mmrfimlakeplacid/lpablake
Arrangements are in the care of the M. R. LAURIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 295 Pawtucket St., Lowell 978-452-0121, www.laurinfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter McGrade
Bob McCarthy
April 20, 2014
Whoa, a pic of '13! No Way! Sad, but fond memories as looks just like the adventurous "Tween" from Chelmsford St. @ Forest who made us "men" by taking the lead of us kids, including Paulie, but I don't think 'Queenie', off on treks like roaming the ice of Hale's Brook to unwittingly break through coming ashore or pedaling our one speed, steel bikes to Concord on tomorrow's!!!! Patriot's Day! RIP great neighbor of yore. My Condolences to the family.
Priscilla McNulty
April 19, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 19, 2014
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
April 17, 2014
Sandy, Susan and Billy,
I am very sorry for your loss.
Debbie Barbosa (urbanek)
Jack Donohoe
April 16, 2014
Rose,
The news of Walter's death comes with great sadness.The devotion the two of you had for each other was obvious and heartwarming.Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Jack D
John Freitas
April 15, 2014
Dear Rose and Family
My sincerest sympathy to you and your family on your loss. Herky and I were teammates on the Lowell High School football team in the mid 1950s. I will always be indebted to him for taking the time to write up and submit the application package for my induction into the LHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Again, my deepest condolences. John V. Freitas, LHS 1956.
Rose McGrade
April 15, 2014
Just want you all to know how much I appreciate your caring and thoughtful wishes sent me and my family. Walter was my rock, my life, my love and I will miss him more than anyone will ever know. Thank you all for your compassion and kindness and being there for Walter and me during these last three difficult months.
Mike McGrade
April 15, 2014
Aunt Blanche
I want to send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Kate McGrade
April 15, 2014
My sincerest condolences. I will try to remember the big bear
hugs and his smile. Loved bumping into my godfather. He always made me smile and will always be "Herky" to me. Sorry for your loss. Kate
Brian & Mary Edwards
April 15, 2014
Dear Sue and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. May you feel the loving arms of God around you and your family at this time of loss. We will be praying for you all.
Rose and Walter March 2013
Henry McClean
April 15, 2014
Rose and Blanche
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Herky was not only a great Husband, son and cousin but a friend to so many people. He will be truly missed. My memories go back to Roy Roger Saturday movies when Herky, as the oldest, was the big brother to his younger cousins. Lowell and Juno Beach won't be the same without him. Henry & Gayle McClean
April 15, 2014
ROSIE
I AM DEEPLY SORRY. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY
ON YOUR LOSS OF WALTER. LOTS OF FOND
MEMORIES AS NEIGHBORS
Sally Wallace
April 15, 2014
Walter, I will miss you, you were a wonderful stepdad and husband to my mom. Always there for someone in need and so loving and caring. I will miss you so much. Sally
Sally Wallace
April 15, 2014
I will truely miss you Walter, you were one of a kind....what a wonderful stepdad and husband to my mom.
April 15, 2014
Rose,Cookie &Family I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your "Herky". I never knew his real name,but will always remember his smile and great personality. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Gail"Giuffrida"Rawnsley
butch conway
April 15, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 14, 2014
My sister told me about your father. I'm sorry to hear about your loss. You have been in my prays and thoughts been trying to reach you. Miss you. Sharon
April 14, 2014
Sorry to hear about your father. I've been trying to get in touch with you for months. I left you several messages.
kathy o'connor
April 14, 2014
Dear Carol, Sandy, Susan, & Billy,
so sorry for your loss
April 14, 2014
You will be missed. I'll always remember the good times we shared as friends of Bill W. God Bless You--Rest in Peace. Renee
Judy O'Connor
April 14, 2014
Sue and Family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad, as you may know, Sharon is in California now, I sent this to her--she is trying to reach you. You were always good friends. My condolences to the family, sorry for your loss.
April 14, 2014
Our prayers & thoughts are with you at this sad time Ed & Marlene Turner
Patricia McCann
April 14, 2014
Rest in peace Walter.
Pat McCann
April 14, 2014
you will be missed. always loved you. carol
George Hovey
April 14, 2014
My sincere condolensces on Walter's passing.
Jimmy and Mary-Reeta McGrade
April 14, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you
Gail (McTeague) McManmon
April 14, 2014
Mrs McGrade, Cookie & Family,
Sorry to hear of "Herky's" passing. Although I have not seen him in many years, I remember him fondly. My mother enjoyed his company when he would stop in to see my brother, Joe (always on a day that she baked cookies).
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
April 14, 2014
Blanche, Sorry for your loss. Would like to reconnect with you if you are up to it.
Diane Theriault Thorne
[email protected]
LINDA GOFF
April 14, 2014
Dear Blanche and Rose, I am so sorry to hear about Walter. He was such a good Neighbor. I remember we usto always be complaining about the snow when we were out shoveling. My thoughts are with you. Linda Goff (FORMERLY FROM 117 SICARD AVE)
April 14, 2014
Dear Rose and Family: So sorry for your loss, Herky was a good friend and neighbor. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Your Florida neighbor and friends. Donnie and Mary Lou Gilbride.
Juno Beach, Florida
Nancy & Leo
April 14, 2014
Rose,
So sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless!
Love,
Nancy T. & Leo O.
Dick Grady
April 14, 2014
Dear Rose and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss.Herky was a great teammate and a greater friend . I will miss our Sunday chats and visits when I am up in Lowell.God bless.
Dan and Alice Hurley
April 14, 2014
So sorry to learn that Walter had passed. He was a good friend to many people. Our prayers go out to the entire McGrade family and especially our good friend Rosaleen. May he find peace with the Lord.
April 14, 2014
Susan,
We are so sorry for your loss. Just know that your dad will be watching over you. I know he is proud of all the love and care you shared with him during his journey. Love, Donna & Jim
Jerry Grady
April 14, 2014
Good friend to my brother, Dick, for many years. Sorry for your loss.
Tom Bondaruk
April 14, 2014
Susan and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joan McGrade
April 14, 2014
Skip and I are heartbroken we will miss you our friend our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you Rose.
April 14, 2014
McGrade family,
He was a great classmate and a longtime friend. I always enjoyed his company. I will keep him in my prayers.
Sorry that I cannot attend his service as we are presently in Florida.
George L. Duggan LHS'57
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