Daniel Leo McGrath

Dan graduated from Marquette High School in Ottawa IL and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from St. Ambrose in Davenport, IA and a Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL. Dan moved to Springfield, VA in 1975 where he pursued a career in the federal government, working for the administrations of Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton plus Congressmen Harold Volkmer, Tim Hall and Senator Paul Simon. Dan was driven to serve his fellow Americans and worked on important legislation with the Department of Agriculture, including the Alaska National Interest Conservation Act.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Patrick (Denise) and Robert, his sisters Colleen Bibbins (Robert) and Anita Carrier (William). Surviving family include his beloved wife of 55 years, Janet, sons Patrick (Danielle) and Brendan (Karen) and daughter Molly Mathus (Daniel), 9 grandchildren, brothers James (Charlotte) and Ralph (Diana) and many nieces and nephews.

In his retirement Dan enjoyed playing golf, traveling, gardening and fishing. He also worked at Twin Lakes golf course. He appreciated sports and never missed the opportunity to watch his grandchildren play basketball, soccer and baseball and was a proud season ticket holder for the Georgetown Hoyas Men’s Basketball team. Dan was known for his wisdom, guidance and generosity and will be missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, January 2 from 5-8 PM at Demaine Funeral Home 5308 Backlick Rd. Springfield VA 22151. A celebration of life service will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Thursday, January 3 at 10:30AM.