Edward John McGrady Jr.

4/29/1938 - 10/4/2025

Stonington - Edward John McGrady Jr. of Stonington, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Oct. 4, 2025. He was 87.

Born April 29, 1938, to Aurelia and Edward, Mr. McGrady grew up in Springfield, Mass., served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, and developed a love of cars. He and his friends formed an automobile club called the Strokers and built dragsters to enter into competitions throughout New England.

Growing up, he was particularly close with his Italian-born grandparents, Iride and Eduardo Lambertini - Nonnie and Nonnu - from whom he learned to cook.

With his mechanical skills, Mr. McGrady got a job as plant manager at Package Machinery Corp. in East Longmeadow, Mass., where he was later promoted to vice president and worked for 25 years.

He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, and master's degree in business administration at Western New England College, where he later taught classes to aspiring engineers.

Mr. McGrady, who was called Papa by his children and grandchildren, was known for his methodical mind, taking good care of his family, and being able to fix things. When his adult daughters returned home, he would often wait in the driveway and say, "Hi. Pop the hood," so he could make sure their car engines were in good shape.

The McGrady family spent many happy summers on Martha's Vineyard, and Mr. McGrady loved the ocean. After moving to Stonington in 1987, he became a member of the Westerly Power Squadron and frequently took his family out to Sandy Point on his boat.

In Stonington, Mr. McGrady was vice president of manufacturing at Davis Standard Corp., where he worked for 15 years, often traveling to Germany and Austria, which he loved, to conduct business.

Among friends and family, he was known for offering good advice and for being kind and generous. He was a donor to many charitable causes - and a prodigious tipper.

In retirement, Mr. McGrady and his wife Judy, to whom he was married for 63 years, took walks almost daily in Stonington Borough or Wilcox Park in Westerly. For 18 years, they spent the winter months in Naples, Fla., where they took their daily walks on the beach and met several wonderful friends.

His last walk with Judy was in Stonington just a week before he died. The two were loyal parishioners of St. Mary's Catholic Church in the Borough.

He also loved music, in particular James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Andrea Bocelli. When Mr. McGrady passed away, Mr. Bocelli's "Time to Say Goodbye" was playing in his room.

Mr. McGrady is survived by his wife, Judy; his sister Priscilla; his two daughters, Kelly and Suzanne; his two grandchildren, Christina and Connor; and his son-in-law, Kelly's husband, John Bogacz.

A funeral Mass and burial service is private.

Mr. McGrady's family would like to wholeheartedly thank the excellent staff of Westerly Hospital, who compassionately cared for him in his few final days - in particular Dr. Rachel McCormack, Dr. Niall Duhig, Dr. Rachel Wells, everyone in the ICU, and nurses Sue, Matthew, Rachel and Nilsa.d