Edward James McGrath Jr.

Contoocook, NH — Edward James McGrath passed away on September 15, 2022 at the age of 96 surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born on October 23, 1925 in Beverly, Massachusetts, the first of five children born to Edward and Mildred (MacKinnon) McGrath. He was raised in Danvers, Massachusetts, attended the local schools and graduated from Holten High School in 1943. Following graduation, he was inducted into the US Army. After basic training Ed served in Europe during World War II with the 542nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery battalion. He served in the European Theater of Operations from 1944 to 1946 and aided in the cleanup following WWII as a Military Policeman.

After the war, Ed began his career at Sylvania Electric in Danvers, MA. He continued working for Sylvania in various positions for 44 years until his retirement in 1992. While working for Sylvania and raising his children, Ed attended night school at Northeastern University where he received his degree in Business Management.

In 1948 he married Marie Kelly and the couple had three sons. In 1959, he married Maureen Crowdis and had three sons and a daughter. The couple lived in Beverly and Ipswich MA until 1971 when Ed was transferred to the Sylvania plant in Hillsborough, NH. This led to the relocation of the couple and their four young children to Contoocook, NH. They quickly became involved in many activities in the community. Ed served as a member of the Trustee Committee of the Library. During his tenure the present Hopkinton Town Library was constructed. In 1979 Ed and Maureen started McGrath Real Estate and served the community until Maureen's passing in 1994. After some heart procedures, Ed took up running in his late 50's and continued jogging/walking until his early 90's. Ed coached many Hopkinton baseball and basketball teams in which his children were playing.

Ed was a kind, family man with a quick sense of humor. He enjoyed sports and was a fan of the New England sports teams. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing and movies. He was an avid reader and liked playing cards, particularly poker games with his buddies. Ed was a self-taught handyman. Over the years he started (and completed!) many home improvement projects. A pet lover, he treasured the time with his favorite dog, a yellow lab named Hobbs. Ed's greatest joy in life was his family. He adored his children and was a proud and loving grandfather. The children fondly remember the family camping trips at White Lake State Park in Tamworth, NH. He attended many games over the years and loved watching his grandchildren compete in their chosen sport. He was happiest when all the family came together for celebrations especially the group birthday parties and holiday get togethers.

Ed married Gwennie Peters in 1998. Ed and Gwen enjoyed traveling and were able to take many trips to Europe, the Caribbean Islands and across the United States. Ed was especially fond of river cruises. The couple bought a home in Naples, Florida where they spent the winter months enjoying new friends and the activities in their retirement community.

Ed was predeceased by Maureen, his loving wife of 35 years, his brother Brian and his sisters Constance and Susan. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Gwen, his sister Nancy Grillo, his seven children, son Edward James of Topeka, KS and his children, son Evan and daughter Callie, son Thomas and his wife Suzanne of Wilmington, MA and their daughters Kelly and Ashley, a great grandson Colin Edward, son Kevin and his wife Patty of Harwich, MA, son George and his wife Arlene (Pinkos) of Hopkinton, NH and their children Michael, Kevin and Maurgan, son Paul and his wife Laura (Hourihan) of Scarborough, ME and their daughters Kinnon, Victoria and Adeline, son Timothy of Scarborough, ME, and daughter Susan of Portsmouth, NH. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to invite friends and family to a memorial service to be held at the Contoocook United Methodist Church on Saturday September 24th at 11 AM followed by a reception. Interment will be a private family service at the Contoocook Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Hopkinton Town Library, the Granite VNA Hospice House, or the Contoocook Methodist Church Mission Project.