David J. "Dave" McGrath

David "Dave" J. McGrath, 84 of Northport, FL sadly passed away on July 3, 2021 at the Orchid Cove of Venice, FL after a long valiantly fought battle with cancer. Born in Acadieville, NB, Canada, David was the son of the late Thomas and Marie (Roach) McGrath and was a former resident of Leominster and West Boylston prior to his retirement to Florida.

Dave is survived by his long time loving partner Barbara Leonard of Northport, FL, his daughter Rose M. Powers (late John) and granddaughter Olivia of New Ipswich, NH; his son Joseph Paul McGrath (Monika) and grandson Joseph of Norman, OK; his siblings Beatrice (Ronald) of Leominster, Cecile (Gilles) of Dieppe, NB; Albert of Toronto, ON; Stella (Gilles), Linda, Eddy (Monique) all of Moncton, NB; sisters-in-law, Jeannette (late Raymond) of Moncton, NB; Annie (late Vincent) of Lisle, ON along with many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his former wife Lina (Richard) McGrath of Leominster; his brothers Bernard (late Catharine); Raymond, Vincent, infant Guy; sister infant Lina.

Dave was a highly skilled Commercial Union Carpenter by trade and was known for his hard work ethic, intuitive ingenuity and perseverance. He enjoyed life to the fullest extent possible, and among his multiple talents, Dave was an avid musician with particular fondness for the Mandolin. He especially enjoyed spending time traveling to visit family and his many, many friends, the yearly family gatherings at the cottage, the love of playing bluegrass music and homemade Acadian cooking.

Dave left an impression on the lives and hearts of everyone he knew and met with his explicit memory recollection of life experiences and events, his sly sense of humor, his wisdom and his never ending fighting spirit. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Dave managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. Dave will be dearly missed, memories treasured and he will always be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at the ST. COLUMBA CHURCH, 10 Richards Ave, Paxton, MA 01612; Burial will follow at the Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave, Paxton, MA 01612. Family & friends are cordially invited to a small reception immediately following the service at the Rutland Sportsman Club, 75 Pleasantdale Rd, Rutland, MA 01543.

Instead of flowers, Dave would want you to share as much time as possible with those you love and value, and to be grateful for the time we have.