James McGrath

1944 - 2014

James Dennis McGrath 69

Harwich, MA - James "Dennis " McGrath ,69, of Harwich, was unexpectedly and peacefully lifted by the hands of God and brought home on Sunday, February 23rd, 2014.

Dennis was the son of the late James P. McGrath and Lucille (Tetrault) McGrath of Spencer, Massachusetts. Dennis was an all-star athlete at David Prouty High School and wore the black and orange proudly. After high school he attended Nichols College and continued his education at The University of Kentucky, where he studied building sciences. Upon returning to Spencer, he founded Progress homes, a successful building and development company, building over 300 homes and apartments in the greater Spencer area.

Dennis was an ambitious, talented and hard working craftsman with a love for wood and the trades. In 1977, he relocated his young family to Dennis, MA. He started JDM plastering to supplement his true passion; Pine Harbor Wood Products, the only sawmill on Cape cod at the time.

His legacy lives on at the Family owned and operated business of Pine Harbor Wood Products of which he was so proud.

Dennis was a larger than life personality and is survived by his first wife and mother of his children, Mary McGrath- Perry; his two sons: Christopher B. McGrath and significant other Christine Cornell of South Dennis; James R. McGrath and wife Lynne of Brewster. He was very proud of and loved his grandchildren, Jake, Lauren, Ava, Amanda, Emily, Ashley and Ella. He also leaves behind his best friend and companion Brigit Rutten of Harwich, together having shared wonderful times living the Cape Cod life to its fullest.

Dennis is survived by his sisters Leslie McGrath of Provincetown, Christine McGrath McDonough and husband James of Marstons Mills, and brother John Francis McGrath and wife Katie of Brewster; along with a niece and nephew, many cousins and loved ones.

A memorial mass will be held in his honor on Friday April 11th 2014 at 11am at Our Lady of The Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Rd in Brewster, MA with a life celebration to follow.