Francis J. McGrath

Francis J. “Lefty” McGrath, 85, a longtime resident of West Hartford and formerly of South Windsor, passed from this life on Friday, March 19, 2010, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in East Hartford, the son of the late Michael and Loretta (Coyle) McGrath. Mr. McGrath graduated from the Ellworth High School in South Windsor, class of 1942. He then joined the U. S. Navy and served with distinction during World War II. After discharge from the Navy he attended and graduated from Holy Cross College in Worchester, Mass., class of 1948, and later graduated from the University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy in 1954. Prior to his retirement he had been the owner of the Park Lane Pharmacy in West Hartford. He had been a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the American Legion. His many interests included reading and photography. Mr. McGrath is survived by his sister -in-law, Betty Ann McGrath of Sarasota, Florida, and by his 12 nieces and nephews and his 24 great nieces and nephews and several cousins. He was predeceased by his two brothers; Michael and Edward Mc Grath and by his nephew, Brian McGrath. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather at the Newkirk and Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford on Monday, March 22, 2010 from 8: 30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. for the procession to St. Rose Church, 33 Church St. East Hartford, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. The interment service will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, East Hartford. Mr. McGrath’s family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Ave. P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, Ct. 06450.