Neal McGrath

Neal McGrath
October 1, 1940 – November 22, 2024
Neal McGrath (Skip), age 84 of Lemont, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 22, 2024 at his home surrounded by family. He was born October 1, 1940 in Chicago, IL the son of Thomas Patrick and Leone Erna (nee Hansen).
Neal McGrath, served his country proudly as a Veteran of the United States Navy on board the USS Hissem DER 400, during the Vietnam War (1963 – 1967). Mr. McGrath, ETRSN USN, served in the USN OI Division, "Eyes and Ears of America."
Post US Naval service and education, Mr. McGrath's nuclear medicine career began at Picker International. Subsequently, Mr. McGrath became a successful patented inventor and career entrepreneur for over 30 years. Mr. McGrath's oscilloscope and imager inventions helped countless people's lives in hospitals throughout the world. Inventing products to help people meant a great deal to Neal.
Neal was well traveled and an avid reader. The traditional newspaper read and crossword puzzles were a daily must. He had a passion for boating, fishing, a life-long car enthusiast, enjoyed the shooting range, and collecting trains. Neal was always thinking, engaged in the pursuit of learning, designing and creating results. He was a very social man, enjoyed cooking, eating, and his happy hour. Family celebrations and holidays meant the world to him. He enjoyed museums. His favorite was the Museum of Science and Industry. Music was a must, especially classical. Some of his happiest smiles was when listening to Neil Diamond. Lastly, Neal was a dog lover beginning with his first childhood dog, Brownie, to his final dogs, Lexi and Benny the Biter.
Neal is survived by his wife, Rita Andersen McGrath; his children, Brian McGrath, Michelle (Rey) Senatore, Brenda Cegin; step children, Tim (Lisa) Andersen, Bonnie (Ron) Kas; grandchildren, Kelly (Dalice), Chase, Ryan, Amanda, Melissa, Kayli, Jacob, Christian, Baily; great-grandchildren Mercury, Noah soon to be, Hannah, Evan, Grace; niece Jeneen (nee Adelsbach); and nephews Tom and Scott (Joanna) Adelsbach.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Leone McGrath, his siblings, Brian "Butch" McGrath, Janet "Babe" McGrath Adelsbach Hebel, his step father, Charles Jiampa, mother of his children, Rosa McGrath (nee Allen), along with many, aunts, uncles, cousins, and Veteran friends.
Neal enjoyed life, his family, friends, brothers in USN service, and his dogs. Neal was loved, will be deeply missed, and always remembered.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Fairmount-Willow Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, 9100 Archer Ave, Willow Springs, IL 60480
**Please arrive at the Cemetery's 104th Ave. (Willow Springs Road) & 95th Street Entrance by 11:15 a.m. for the funeral escort to the graveside service.**
Arrangements by Petkus Lemont Funeral Home, Lemont, IL. www.petkusfuneralhomes.com
In honor of Neal McGrath, please consider making a donation to his favorite charitable organization, Vietnam Veterans of America. www.vva.org/donate/