Leo Vincent McGrath

Leo Vincent McGrath, 86, of Lynchburg, VA passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026. He was the son of Walter Ambrose McGrath and Florence Agnes Hemeon, and the husband of Joyce (Gammons) for forty years.

Leo was born on June 25, 1939, in Natick, MA. As a young man, he served four years in the Navy. He then worked various jobs to support his growing family before beginning his twenty-three-year career with the Natick Fire Department, a role he took great pride in.

After receiving an early retirement from the Fire Department, faith led Leo to bring his wife, Joyce, and youngest daughter, Kathleen, to Lynchburg in 1993, where they became active members of Thomas Road Baptist Church. Leo received an Associate’s Degree from the Liberty Bible Institute for Biblical Studies. Leo and Joyce always had their home open to those in need, housing students from Liberty University and later serving with the Salvation Army.

Leo was known for his sense of humor. He demonstrated strength, determination, and authenticity, showing commitment to the causes he valued. Deeply interested in his Irish heritage, Leo made several trips to Ireland during the 1970s and 1980s. He also pursued hobbies such as painting and construction. Leo loved the ocean and especially enjoyed vacations to Florida and going to Busch Gardens, where he continued to ride roller coasters well into his seventies. He was an avid fan of John Wayne films, often watching them repeatedly, and had a deep appreciation for the music of Fats Domino, Ray Charles, and Johnny Cash.

Leo is survived by his six children: Shawn McGrath and his wife, Sharon; Kerrie Hebert; Paul McGrath and his wife, Geraldine; Sharon Hebert and her partner, Jim McLaughlin; Timothy McGrath; and Kathleen Moses and her husband, Scott; his three step-children: Jeffery Haworth; Amy Barnicle and her husband, Jim; and Fawn Evans, and her husband Mike; his nine grandchildren: Larissa, Justin, Walter, Danielle, Shawn, Arianna, Ryan, Carson, and Ethan; his five step-grandchildren: Nick, Connor, Mackenzie, Serenity, and Rhapsody; his six great-grandchildren: Jax, Maisie, Isla, Ryker, Sawyer, and Harrison; his two step-great-grandchildren: Bella and Capri; his brother: Joseph; and many loving friends in the community.

Leo is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Florence, his younger brother, Walter, and granddaughter Helen.

The funeral will be held at one o’clock Monday afternoon, March 16, 2026 at the Pate Chapel, Thomas Road Baptist Church. The funeral will also be available to livestream via the Tharp Funeral Home website.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family.