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Joseph McGrath Obituary
Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Joseph B. and Henrietta J. (Swizewicz) McGrath. He was so happy to find love again with his wonderful wife Patty.
Joe was a great man and was good-natured and kind-hearted. He had a whimsical sense of humor, a radiant smile and he enjoyed life to the fullest making the most of each day. His favorite saying was 'Life is Good'. Joe cherished his family and his friends. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will be missed more than words can say.
Joe was employed as a service technician for the Providence Gas Co. and the New England Gas Co. for 40 years before retiring. For the past three years, he was a courier for Mr. Messenger and Eastern Connection. He was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. Joe was a Mason and a member of the Harmony Lodge #9 where he was past Master in the first year of the millennium 2000, the Royal Arch Chapter Providence #1, Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters, Providence #1, St. John's Commandery #1, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Providence, RI Shrine, AAONMS and Swords of Bunker Hill.
He was the loving father of Pamela J. Marzano and her husband Norman of Scituate, and Jennifer A. Cataldo and her husband Robert of Coventry. Former husband of Janice M. Bock of Johnston; he was the proud grandfather of Amanda M., Marissa A. and Norman P. Marzano III, Anthony R., Christina L. and Joseph R. Cataldo, Ella M. and Luca A. DiTraglia who gave him much joy. Stepfather of Thomas A. DiTraglia and his wife Danielle of West Warwick and Kristin A. Lagergren and her husband Jason of Pembroke Pines, FL. He also leaves his cat Sabrina whom he loved very much.
His funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10 AM in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Chapel, 2435 Warwick Avenue. Burial with military honors will be in Pawtuxet Memorial Park, Warwick. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Harmony Lodge #9, Milton MacIntosh Scholarship Fund, 1237 Reservoir Ave, Cranston, RI 02920 will be appreciated.
Information and guestbook visit www.TheQuinnFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph McGrath
Sponsored by Alan in rememberance of my "Brother" Joe.
Joe Cataldo
April 24, 2013
I will always love you no matter what cause, this is because you are the stars that shine, the one that makes the sun in my day shine brighter, Godspeed.
Joseph Cataldo
April 24, 2013
Hi grandpa it's your grandson joe, as every day goes by I miss you more and more sometimes if I think of you I start to cry but cry more if I see a picture of you, everyday I struggle without you. I'll always remember when you showed me how to point out stars from planets. I really wish I could see you one more time just to say goodbye. I will always love you<3.
Patty McGrath
November 30, 2008
Hi Honey,
Happy 65th Birthday, I can only
tell you that I would have loved
to have you here so we could
celebrate this special birthday
together. I hope that you are
happy in the place where you are
and that you and your mother are
celebrating your birthday together.
I love and miss you, but I am
trying to do the best I can so
please don't worry.
Your loving Patty
Alan
September 14, 2008
Joe, the colder weather is coming again and with it thoughts of the great times we all had every November at the Harmony Install. Miles, Ian and myself still travel many miles together and you are always in our thoughts and in our conversations. Joe if the rest of them only knew the friendship, love and memories we all have of the times we spent together. I know that your not on the end of the phone now but I truly hope that we will meet in the Grand Lodge Above again one day.
September 10, 2008
Dad,
Time goes by.... each day fading into the next. But your memory never fades, it grows stronger with time. And you are never far away from me because you are in my thoughts each and every day. I miss you so much.
Mary Lou O'Dell
September 23, 2007
Patty,
I'm so very sorry to hear about your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Angela Rose
September 22, 2007
To My Sister Patty, The McGrath Family, and Kristin and Tommy's Families.
Words cannot express the joy Joe brough to everyone he touched. We will miss him as everyone who knew him will also miss him, but we will remember him everyday.
Love,
Sister Angela and Brother-In-Law Bob
September 20, 2007
To all friends and family of Joe: As I have read all the wonderful comments that was given for Joe, I wondered what more could I add. I can add this; we will remember you off and on throughout our life, whenever we hear someone offering random acts of kindness...thats what you did Joe.
See ya Joe
Jean Ann Gagnon(Kent OutReach Labs)
Jean Cataldo
September 20, 2007
Many years ago my son, Bob, brought into our lives a lovely young lady, Jennifer McGrath. Having two sons, Jen was the blessing of my "daughter" when she became Jen Cataldo. Joe, having two daughters, welcomed Bob into his family, and most importantly, welcomed him as his "son". Joe gently guided and gave caring direction to Bob in their many conversations together. Joe certainly was "Dad" to Bob from the time Bob joined the McGrath family. This is one of the many memories of Joe that I will keep close to my heart. Both Jen and Pam possess many of the wonderful qualities that Joe had: they are both loving parents, are good natured, thoughtful, kind and always ready to assist where needed. Both you and Jan did a wonderful job as parents to Jen and Pam. My family has been very blessed with the joining of our two families, which brought us together for many special times. Your empty chair will be sorely noticed in future gatherings. We have loved you, will miss you, but will never forget you. As our families gather together in the future, I know that we will reflect upon the times spent together and the laughs we have shared. Anthony, Christina and Joey will miss you very much. Joey told me he will miss your pork chops, Christina will miss your special potatoes that your mother made for you and you in turn made for them, and Tony will miss being a clown at the annual family day you always invited them to. You are a very special grandpa to them. Your good deeds are done, Joe. You have earned your place with the Lord. Please remember us to Him. This is not good-bye, but "until we meet again". I must add one more thought. I didn't know until today that your middle name is Bernard, which is not a common name. My Dad's name was Bernard, my brother's name is Bernard, my nephew's name was Bernard and my grand-nephew's name is Bernard.
We all wish you Godspeed, Joe.
Loved always, Jean, Vin, Sydney and Laura.
Russ and Lucille Gowdey
September 18, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sylvia & Curt Kennedy
September 18, 2007
We will always remember the wonderful times we shared through all the years. Our friendship will continue forever in our hearts. And, yes Joe, you made life good for us too.
Gilbert Fisher
September 18, 2007
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Gil & Betty Fisher
[email protected]
Love Cousin Kerry and Joe Nardolillo
September 18, 2007
Pam, Jenny and families,
Please know how saddened I was to hear about your dad. He meant so much to me and I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything you need please feel free to call.
Ian Jarvis
September 18, 2007
Joe,you were such a great guy, you had such a kind and generous heart and will be sadly missed by all of us who knew you. We are so sorry that you had to leave us so soon. Our times together in both the USA and England will leave us with great memories. Please give big Al my regards when you meet him in the grand lodge above.
Our hearts and thoughts are with Pat and the family at this sad time.
Ian and Lyn Jarvis
Joeseph McGrath & Al Phaneuf both who have left us and gone to the Grand Lodge above. God Bless you both, you brought us so many good times and laughs, we will miss you till we meet again.
September 18, 2007
Joe at Horse Guards London
September 18, 2007
Joe outside the Tower of London
September 18, 2007
Joe at the Tower of London
September 18, 2007
Linda Cirelli
September 18, 2007
Pat, Pam, Jenny and family,
My deepest condolences for your sudden loss. Joe had such an infectious smile. He had a way of letting you know that "things were good." He will always be remembered for the love, friendship and genuine heartfelt kindness he showed everyday. May you find comfort in the love, you know he had for each one of you.
Cindy Charron
September 18, 2007
Dearest Pat,
Our hearts ache for your loss of Joe. His sudden passing remind each of us to hold those we love a little closer, a little longer. We will all miss him so very much. Please know that the Ladies of Harmony Lodge are here for you always.
Always with Love and Friendship,
The Ladies of Harmony Lodge
Dawn Douglas
September 18, 2007
Pam and Jenny,
We were very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you.
Dawn, Tracey and family.
Jack & Judy Lopez
September 18, 2007
Our deepest condolences for your sudden loss Pat. If there is anything we can do, please call. Keep in touch dear friend.
Mark Leone
September 18, 2007
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
millie ruggieri
September 18, 2007
Pat,
our prayers and thought are with you during this very differcult time.
love
tom and millie
Harry Cockfield
September 17, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. From Brother Cockfield at Franklin Lodge #20.
Lori Crosby
September 17, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the family of Joe McGrath. I was shocked and saddened beyond words to hear about Joe. I work in the lab at Kent County Hospital. Each time Joe had a drop off for us he was always smiling what a lovely man. I will miss seeing is smiling face. Pat we dont know eachother but Joe always spoke very highly of you to me, and the girls in the lab. I hope you find peace knowing how much he loved you. Please take care.
Lorraine Gaglione
September 17, 2007
Cousin Patty and family,
We are truly sorry for your loss, to hear Joe always say "Life is Great" is an understatement!!!, He was a fine and gentle man who loved life with Patty and all of those around him.. He will never be forgotten..Rest In Peace..
"Some people come into our lives and quietly go. Others stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same."
A LETTER FROM HEAVEN:
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.God and I are closest to you.... in the middle of the night.When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving yearsbecause you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."And now I am contented.... that my life has been worthwhile,knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Love Cousins,
Bobby and Lorraine Gaglione
Boston, Ma
Miles Beatson
September 17, 2007
Joe-The most genuine and friendly person we have ever had the pleasure to know and love.We will miss you so much.
Good night and God bless.
Miles and Pauline Beatson.
Plymouth. England.
September 17, 2007
Joe McGrath. The flame has been extinguished on our best Gas Man. From all of your friends at Nationwide Heating. Plymouth. England.
WM
September 17, 2007
Brother Joe McGrath. Wishing you Peace in the Eternal East. From The Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of The Western District United Service Lodge No 2258. Plymouth. England.
Suzette Littlewood
September 17, 2007
A lovely friend, a true gentleman, you will be sadly missed.
Suzette. Plymouth. England.
Alan Mark
September 17, 2007
Joe McGrath one of the kindest and dearest friends we could have ever had. Our friendship has spanned the Atlantic and the years. We have had so many happy memories and times together in the UK and USA. So many laughs and hours spent enjoying each others company, and now it is time to say goodbye good friend and it's hard, but your memory will live on in my heart for all time, my Brother Joe. Love Alan, Sharon & Charlie Mark. Plymouth England
Alan Mark
September 17, 2007
Brother Joe,
You’ve had to go,
You’ve left us all behind.
A tragic loss,
To all of us,
You were just one of a kind.
A Brother true,
In every sense,
A man to greet with elation,
You have showed us the way,
And touched us all,
As a Free and Accepted Mason.
From your Brother and friend
Alan Mark. Plymouth. England.
PEGGY GUERTIN
September 17, 2007
My thoughts are with you all.
Anne and Bob Rose
September 17, 2007
Every time we saw Joe, he had a smile on his face. He always seemed so happy - and he always enjoyed telling us how lucky he was to have found Pat. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat, and his family.
cousin george lori ciambrone
September 17, 2007
cousin patty and family , joe was a truly personable guy , he seemed to have just peaked in terms of happiness with his new life with you . a terrible, tragic ending for an individual who was so cordial to everyone he met
Alan Ritchotte
September 17, 2007
My deepest sympathy
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