Francis John McGrath Jr.

He had complications from leukemia, said his daughter, Kelly McDonald.

Dr. McGrath joined Glebe Medical Associates as a cardiologist and partner in 1981. In addition to his work with the practice — now known as Virginia Heart — Dr. McGrath was a medical staff president of what is now Virginia Hospital Center from 2000 to 2004.

He had been the hospital’s chief of cardiology since 2008 and was a past associate director of the hospital’s cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Francis John McGrath Jr. was born in Plainfield, N.J. He was a 1971 graduate of Georgetown University and a 1975 graduate of its medical school. He completed his residency and a fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital before entering private practice.

He was a Falls Church resident and a member of St. John the Beloved Catholic Church in McLean.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Patricia Lubreski McGrath of Falls Church; a daughter, Kelly M. McDonald of Sandy Springs, Ga.; three sisters; and a grandson.

Dr. FRANCIS J. McGRATH, JR.

(Age 63)

Of Falls Church, VA, died Monday, September 10, 2012 at Virginia Hospital Center Arlington.

Francis was born in Plainfield, NJ on March 23, 1949. He was married to Patricia L McGrath in August 1972.

He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, NJ in 1967. Francis received his degree from Georgetown University in 1971 and then went on to graduate from the Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1975. He was a dedicated and inspiring cardiologist at Virginia Hospital Center Arlington for more than 35 years.

Francis is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Patti, daughter, Kelly McDonald and her husband, Graham, of Sandy Springs, Ga and cherished grandson, Elliott.

He also leaves behind three sisters, Mary Jane Mangan (Clarks Summit, PA), Margie Heinz (Tucson, AZ), Kathy Roman (Jackson, NJ).

The family will be receiving friends and colleagues at the Murphy Funeral Home of Arlington, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203, on Wednesday, September 12 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 13 at the Cathedral of St Thomas More, 3901 Cathedral Lane Arlington, VA 22203. Interment National Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory/honor of Dr. Francis McGrath to Virginia Hospital Center Foundation, 1701 N. George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA 22205. Please indicate Dr. Francis McGrath on the memo line.