John Joseph McGrath

John Joseph McGrath died peacefully at home on September 30th, 2025, after a brief illness, with his loving wife Anne by his side.

Born on April 28, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY, John never met a stranger, and his love of family and good times will long endure. He lived life well, made the world a better place, and instilled a love of adventure, learning, and family in all those he spent time with throughout his long life. His sense of humor and the joy he found spending time with people were infectious.

John received an undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton, master's degree in mathematics from Villanova University, and an education specialist degree from Florida Atlantic University. He worked as a math teacher and administrator at several Marianist schools including Charlotte Catholic High School and Chaminade Madonna Preparatory School in Hollywood, FL.

John was a lifelong volunteer and lived to serve others. As a young man he was a Brother in the Marianist community of the Catholic Church. As a father, he was the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 124 in Hollywood, FL, as well as a soccer and track coach. He spent many hours over the years volunteering for his church, schools, YMCA, Kiwanis, Key Club, Toastmasters, Horses for the Handicapped, Habitat for Humanity, Metropolitan Ministries, Meals on Wheels, the Tampa Orchid Society, and the Hillsborough County Democratic Party.

His generosity of spirit will live on through everyone he touched. Whether staying up late with his children to help them with their math homework or school art project the night before it was due, helping a neighbor trim branches off their tree or lending them a tool from his vast collection, giving a ride to an elderly stranger to the polling station on election day, or driving a friend to the airport for an early morning flight, John was the first to offer a helping hand to family, friends and strangers. He led by example, and his legacy of kindness continues through his children, grandchildren and great grandson.

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy (Quigley), two brothers, James (Joan) (Sue) and William (Jan), and two sisters, Joan Foy (Richard) and Mary Beauchamp (Joseph) (Tom).

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Anne and his four children: John Joseph II "Mac" (Janis), Christopher (Lesley), Georgina (Scott Doster) and John Paul (Heather). He adored his 8 grandchildren: John Joseph III "JJ" (Meggan), George, Julia, Maggie, Lia, Ian, Emma and Aisling and his one great-grandchild and namesake John Joseph IV, "Jack". He seldom smiled brighter than when he saw baby Jack on Facetime.

While he will be missed by those who knew and loved him, John will be with us when we see the bloom of an orchid flower, when we order ice cream with just a little whipped cream on top for dessert, and when we admire a beautiful piece of carved or turned wood. He will forever be remembered as the loving man he was and will always be.

For those wishing to make contributions in honor of John, his favorite charities include:

Southern Poverty Law Center

https://secure.splcenter.org/page/86130/donate/1

Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County, FL

https://habitathillsborough.salsalabs.org/donate/index.html

Metropolitan Ministries

https://give.metromin.org/campaign/717621/donate?c_src=WEBHBMW250901&mwsc=MMI-615-WEBHBMW250901