Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
John McGrath Obituary
John attended Chelsea Vocational High School and started his career with Westinghouse. He took a position as an expeditor for Burns & Roe Engineering, helping open their Jacksonville, FL office. He later joined Cogentrix, Inc. at its beginnings, becoming an Executive Vice President. After retiring, he started a consulting company.
John was a people person who made friends easily. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and grandfather. Quick with a smile and encouraging words, he positively influenced everyone he encountered. His infectious laugh brightened the hearts and souls of his family and friends.
John was a devout Catholic, a 3rd-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and, at the time, the youngest to become a Grand Knight in the history of his Brooklyn chapter. He attended St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte.
John is survived by his beloved wife of sixty years, Patricia O'Shea McGrath; his sister, Marie McHugh; He is also survived by his children, Monica Stalls (Howard), Greg McGrath (Rachel Chaves), Wayne McGrath (Karen), and Michele Harrison (Brian); and his many grandchildren and one great-grandchild. John was preceded in death by his daughter, Marilyn; his sister, Kathleen; and his brothers, Leo, Jerry, Gerard, and Edward.
Funeral Rites will be held on June 28 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of McEwen Funeral Home, 204 S Main St, Monroe, NC. Father Paul Gary will lead. John's service will be streamed at 2 P.M. Eastern, June 28 in the Facebook page of McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe. Once at their site, scroll down to view.
https://m.facebook.com/McEwenFuneral
Instead of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in John's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Eddie McGrath (nephew, brother Ed's son)
July 26, 2023
Aunt Pat and family. Boy, could Uncle John make me laugh. That McGrath laugh, chuckle and grin. God bless all of you. He will be dearly missed.
Marie McHugh
June 28, 2023
Dear Baby Brother, I know they have all made a place for you in the card game. I'm sure they were all waiting to welcome you with open arms. Give them all a hug and kiss from me. One day we will all be together again. All my love, Marie
Ruby & Demetrius
June 27, 2023
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time
Eileen Valles
June 23, 2023
UJ (pronounced UDGE)
So many great hilarious memories of your trips to California. The short visits when you came to hang out after business trip meetings were done. Hearing you and my dad (YIKES serious decibel levels) laughing and sharing awesome memories - card games and perhaps a couple beers or more. With that same twinkle my dad had in his eyes you were always quick with a hug and a "How ya doin Eye?". Your booming voice and heart will be missed.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Fran McGrath
June 23, 2023
"Johnny" , am very sad to hear of your passing, and know that you are in the arms of the Lord, as well as your daughter, parents, brothers and sister, also Grandma Houly who will have the cards ready to play. I have such fun memories of our trips with you and Pat, especially to Ireland, and also the laughs on the phone calls. You will
be missed, Big J, and I pray you Rest In Peace. Love you,
Kathy McGrath
June 18, 2023
Uncle John was a fun loving, loud, hilarious, and wise man. I loved seeing him with my dad Leo and how much fun they´d have together with my mom and Aunt Pat. Always willing to find the humor in life, Uncle John lightened the load for all who knew him with the twinkle in his eye and his terrific laugh. We will always remember you with love, UJ.
Kathy McGrath
Marie Fox McGrath
June 12, 2023
John, Johnny, you were one of 2 people who called me RieRie. The other person was my younger brother, Peter. He left us way too soon at age 30. So every time you greeted me that way I was a happy gal. I will miss all the many phone chats and the laughter! Love you. Rest in God´s care.
Rachel Chaves
June 10, 2023
Gramps, we will miss you so much. So many fond memories of holidays and meals and just hanging out during a visit, listening to stories.
My favorite memory of John is when he turned to me on my wedding day (just before the ceremony!) and, with a twinkle in his eye, asked, "Are you sure?" Greg and I laugh about that to this day.
John was a father to me: he guided me, he taught me, and he helped me through hard times. I will always remember his sense of humor, his generous nature, and his love for his family.
Peter McGrath
June 10, 2023
Uncle John we will miss you dearly. My gang from Brooklyn loved you very much ! Always with a great story, joke and laugh! Looking back at your life you've had great run and did so much for many. You were a great example of a great man! We will miss you! God Bless!
Bill and Linda Clerke
June 9, 2023
John and I had many great times together. On one occasion, he and I made homemade bread together at his house while they´re alone. The bread came out great and we made quite a mess in the kitchen to his wife Pats surprise upon her return home from shopping. That bread went well with beer. My heart felt love to you all and always making me feel like a member of the family.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in John McGrath's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John McGrath's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
