John C. McGrath
John C. McGrath, 77, of Highland, entered into eternal peace on August 14, 2016. He was born to John and Margaret McGrath on January 3, 1939 in New York City. He graduated from Manhattan Prep High School, attended Manhattan College and in 1957 he entered the United States Air Force. John completed his education at the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1968 and a Master in Business Administration in 1974. After 22 years of service, in 1979 he retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Captain.
He began working with the Housing Authority of San Bernardino County as the Director of Finance and retired after 32 years as the Executive Director.
He was a professor of accounting and finance at California State University, San Bernardino for over 30 years.
John touched the lives of many with his humor, generosity, and loyalty. He was an active member of the community. He proudly served as President of Civitan Little League and received a lifetime honorable membership. John was widely recognized for his exceptional performance in the military and was a recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal for his outstanding service and leadership as the key coordinator of emergency relief operations in the wake of Hurricane Camille. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Housing Partners I, Inc. of the county of San Bernardino. John was awarded the NAACP Annual Pioneer Award from the mayor and common council of San Bernardino for his commitment to the community. Additionally, he received U.S. Congressional Recognition for his work in community service in Housing.
John is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary McGrath; two brothers, Thomas and Edward; two sisters, Ann and Eileen; seven children, John, Deborah, Michelle, Michael, Erin, Audra, and Patrick; and twenty grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary (3520 E. Washington St. Loma Linda, CA, 92354) on August 28th at 1 PM with the reception following. There will be a Catholic mass at 10 AM on Monday, August 29th, at St. Adelaide Church (27457 Base Line, Highland, CA, 92346). Memorial donations may be made to Civitan Little League Ironwood Street, San Bernardino, Ca. 92404.
The family would appreciate any humorous or fond memories of John.

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Published by San Bernardino County Sun from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John McGrath

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11 Entries

Tim Bonelli

August 19, 2025

"Drink with me to days gone by
To the life that used to be
At the shrine of friendship, never say die
Let the wine of friendship never run dry
Here's to you..."
(Le Mis)

Deana Cervantez

August 19, 2019

Remembering you as football season starts off. Remembering the days you gave me a hard time about the Cowboys and all the betting you did with mom and dad. Roaming through the halls as a kid at the D street Housing Authority then seeing you walk down Lynwood for your daily walk. Thinking of you this year.
Deana Cervantez and Family.

Alonso Villavicencio

March 9, 2017

Professor McGrath,

I just heard about your passing last night from friends. I'm very late and I want to say that you are the best CSUSB professor I ever had. You had a great sense of humor everyday and you enjoy teasing at students (including me) in a good way. "You lie like a rug" is the most often funny catchphrase you say in your classes. I enjoyed the time when other students and I would hang out with you during lunch to review over homework or materials to study for an exam. The last time I met you was back in April of 2011 (few months after I graduated).

I just can't believe you are gone from this world. I didn't have a chance to pay you a visit. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. You are now in a far better place and in good hands with the Lord. My condolences to family and friends. I will miss always. Rest In Peace, John. :(

From your student & friend,
Alonso

C. Chavarria

September 16, 2016

Mr. McGrath, I just learned of your passing, you are and will always be an important person in my life. You believed in me and treated everyone, including myself with fairness. I wished I had started working with HACSB long before you retired but I'm glad we met. I was going thru my review performance papers, you wrote a word of encouragement on it, which made me smile. My condolences to the family.

Deana Cervantez

September 5, 2016

I am saddened that I missed Mr. Mcgraths services. I knew Mr. McGrath my whole life and knew him well enough to grow up hearing him battle us with the Dallas Cowboys and yet be so fun loving. John was my mom''s boss at The Housing Aothority way back on D street in San Bernardino. He was a great man and treated us like his own kids. I remember wondering that building some days and John never said a word he even let us in his office and always donated to our school fundraisers. Then when they moved to Brier street I was an adult by then and walked in there like an employee and looked for John just to say hi and give him a hard time. If anyone said anything John was on it, we were like family. He even donated to my children and attended my daughters graduation at Cal State. I didn't live too far from his home in Highland and occasionally would stop to talk to him or even catch him walking before he moved away. He will be missed. Lots of love to his family and know his humorous personality will be missed. Love The Cervantez Family.

August 28, 2016

So very sorry to learn of John's passing. Jim and I will always recall him as a good and fair person with a great sense of humor. Our prayers go out to Mary and the entire family.

Jim and Cheryl Byfield

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

August 26, 2016

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

James Coney

August 26, 2016

To Ann and Eileen,
I am very sorry for your loss. John was a good friend to Peter and I am sure that they are having a beer in heaven as I write this. My and my family's prayers are with you.

Jim Coney

c. 1957. 175th St. roof aka "tar beach" Tim Ford, me Tim Bonelli, John McGrath (rear), Ray Sullivan, "Doc" Pendergast. John had a perpetual smile

R. Tim Bonelli

August 26, 2016

Sandy Henson

August 25, 2016

I will always remember John as a tough but fair boss. He gave women an equal opportunity in the work force before it was politically correct. He had a terrific sense of humor and was first and foremost a family man. He will be missed.

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