Dr. Thomas PJ McGraw D.O.

1934 - 2016

Dr. Thomas P.J. McGraw, D.O.
York
Dr. Thomas P.J. McGraw, D.O., 82, husband, father, healer, died December 9 at York Hospital.
Dr. McGraw was married to his first love and best friend, Anne M. (Horan) McGraw for 58 years. The couple have six children, Anne Reeves, (Tim), Hershey, Christine Branin, (Sean), Richmond, VA, Thomas McGraw, York, Dr. Brian A. McGraw, D.O., (Jane), Orlando, Sean McGraw, Phoenix, and Kathleen McGraw, Hershey. The McGraws have 11 grandchildren, Kate, Megan, Daniel and Molly Reeves, Ryan, Andrew and Casey Branin, Thomas James and Tennison McGraw, and Logan and Aidan McGraw. 
Dr. McGraw was born June 29, 1934 in Hazleton, the son of the late John L. McGraw and Catherine (McGill) McGraw. He was the younger brother of the late John L. McGraw, Long Island, NY. 
Despite a life-long handicap and two battles with cancer, Dr. McGraw was the ultimate optimist. He never complained about his physical limitations, his handicap did not define him. Dr. McGraw's glass was always half full.
Dr. McGraw graduated with top honors from the Mining and Mechanical School, Freeland, PA, where he received an academic scholarship to attend the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated from Penn in 1956 with a degree in biology and then took advanced courses in chemistry and physics at the University of Vermont. Dr. McGraw taught physics and chemistry at the William Tennent High School, Philadelphia. He graduated from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1964. 
Dr. McGraw served an internship and residency at the Memorial Hospital of Osteopathic Medicine. During his 30-year career there, Dr. McGraw served as a family physician, board-certified anesthesiologist, and Quality Assurance Director. He was the medical director at Weigh to Live and of the York Health Plan at York Hospital. He then served with the state of Pennsylvania as a Peer Review physician and with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in York.
Dr. McGraw was twice honored as Memorial Hospital's Alumnus of the Year. He was one of the first group of MMI graduates to be named to its Wall of Fame. He was also recognized for his 50-year career in medicine from the Pennsylvania Medical Society and KCOM. 
Dr. McGraw was also active in his community. He served on the board of St. Joseph's School, where he was instrumental in starting Catholic Schools Week; the WITF Community Advisory Board, and the Heritage Hills Condominium Association. He was a member of the York County Osteopathic Society, the American Osteopathic Society, the American Association of Anesthesiologists, the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians, the American College of Medical Quality, the University of Pennsylvania Alumni, and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Even with his own physical limitations, Dr. McGraw reveled in the athletic abilities of his children and grandchildren. He was one of the loudest and proudest fans at every basketball and volleyball game, track and swim meet. He stressed the importance of an education, saying, "Learn all you can, it won't be enough."
His positive attitude touched everyone he met. He never hesitated to say hello and engage in conversation. He loved practicing medicine, spending time with his family, and living life to the fullest. But his greatest love from 1955 to his last breath was his sweetheart, his beauty, his wife Anne. 
Dr. McGraw never said, "goodbye," only "see ya." Family and friends will do the same at his viewing, 9 to 11 a.m., on Saturday, December 17,2016 at St. Joseph's Church, 2935 Kingston Rd., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at the church with the Rev. James Menkhus, O.F.M. Cap as the celebrant. Burial will be at the Holy Saviour Cemetery at the family's convenience
Memorial donations in Dr. McGraw's name may be made to MMI Prep School, 154 Centre St., Freeland, Pa. 18224.
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