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RUTLAND – Charles V. McGrath, Jr., lovingly known as Charlie, Chaz, Charlie Barley, Sonny Boy, Grampy, Dad and Papi passed away peacefully at the age of 73 at home on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. He was surrounded by the loving presence of his family. Born in Worcester, and raised in Westborough, he was the son of Charles Sr. and Shirley (Johnson) McGrath and lived most of his life in Central Massachusetts.
Charlie will be lovingly missed and remembered by his devoted wife of 50 years, Nancy (O’Neill) McGrath of Rutland; his daughter, Dr. Kelly Bouchard and her husband, Christopher of Sturbridge, son Shaun McGrath and his wife Sumita of Allston, and daughter Erin DeStratis and her husband, Jason of Rutland; and his cherished grandchildren Brody, Kelsey, Mitchell, Landon and Naomi. He is predeceased by brother Steven McGrath of Pennsylvania, and leaves behind sisters Susan D’Orazio of Worcester and Christine McGrath of Florida and family friends George Bergin of Westford and Ennette Heaggens of Worcester.
Charlie earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Clark University. After many years as a general manager in the manufacturing industry, he recently worked as a Sales Manager at Element Precision in Southbridge, MA with his close friend Pawel Bialik.
As a talented cook, Charlie’s favorite place was in the kitchen or at the grill. He was a regular in the bleachers and sidelines, cheering on his grandchildren at soccer and hockey games, band concerts and award ceremonies. He also enjoyed leadership roles at Holden Chapel including many years on the board of elders. His faithful service in the congregation and involvement in the town of Spencer, where he and Nancy raised their family, led him to be a beloved member of the community.
Family and friends will gather to honor Charlie’s memory during calling hours from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 16th at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 17th at The Holden Chapel, 279 Reservoir Street, Holden. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to NEADS World Class Service Dogs, 305 Redemption Rock Trail, Princeton, MA 01541 (www.neads.org), or The Holden Christian Academy, 279 Reservoir Street, Holden, MA 01520 (www.holdenchristianacademy.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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