Joseph Alexander McGrorty

1945 - 2024

Joseph "Joe" Alexander McGrorty, Jr., 78 of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on June 12, 2024.
Joseph grew up in Nashville, TN where he attended Father Ryan High School. He also attended St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama. In 1965, he enlisted in the Navy and embarked on a distinguished and meritorious 25-year career. His service as a Boatswain's Mate saw him rise in rank to Master Chief and Command Master Chief.
Over time, Joseph served in a variety of roles at multiple duty stations. He served in the Riverine Forces of the Brown Water Navy in and around the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam from November 1966 until September 1968. Much of his career was at sea on Destroyers. He sailed aboard the Robison (DDG-12) 1970-1971, Richard B. Anderson (DD-786) 1971-1973, Parsons (DDG-33) 1973-1975, and McDonough (DDG-39) 1985-1990.
Other duty assignments included COMRCVW-Twelve in San Diego CA, COMFLEACTS Yokosuka Japan 1968-1970, MCAS, Iwakuni Japan 1975-1978, and the Navigation Aids and Support Unit 1981-1985. Perhaps his most memorable tour of duty was with "Old Ironsides" USS Constitution in Boston 1978-1981. There he often wore the uniform of an early 19th century sailor. At one point, for an extended period of time, he was the senior man aboard and would jokingly claim to be the only enlisted man to ever command that ship.
Joseph earned a number of Vietnam related medals and campaign ribbons. Among them were Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon (8), Navy Unit Commendation (2), and the Meritorious Unit Commendation (2). Additionally, he received the U.S. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). Among other personal awards were the Navy achievement Medal, (2, one which carried the Combat Distinguishing Device), the Combat Action Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal (6).
After retirement in 1990, Joseph opened PTI Computer Services, a bookkeeping firm, along the South Carolina coastal area. Until death he still maintained a few clients that he considered more than just customers. He devoted much time and energy to worthy outside interests. As an active member of Goose Creek American Legion Post 166, he served in a variety of appointed and elected positions. The Tin Can Sailors was another group dear to his heart. He served several years as poll manager in his election precinct and devoted 19 years with the Goose Creek Rural Fire Department as a Board member and Life member. Further, he was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association in Goose Creek.
Joseph is survived by his wife Hiroko McGrorty and daughters Naomi Keller (Adam) and Melanie McGrorty (Chuck), a sister Melanie Kimmel, and grand-daughters Nayla (Evan), Adalynn and Presley. He is preceded in death by Eleanor McGrorty (Mother) and Joseph McGrorty, Sr. (Father).
The family will receive friends and family at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, June 29th for a Celebration of Life service at American Legion Post 166, 116 Howe Hall Road, Goose Creek SC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 166. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at palmettocs.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Palmetto Cremations Society, 5638 North Rhett Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406.