John F. Mcgrath Jr.

John Francis McGrath Jr., 98, died on January 5, 2011. He was the husband of Mae Carroll McGrath. Mr. McGrath was born in New York City and raised in Hastings-on-Hudson N.Y.. He graduated from Hastings High School and St. Francis College, Brooklyn, N.Y.

During World War II, he spent almost five years in the service. A Master Sergeant, he was Regimental Sergeant Major in the 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Division, of the Fifth Army. He served in the North African and Italian Campaigns. His outfit were the first troops to enter and free Rome in 1944. He received the Legion of Merit in Italy in 1944.

Mr. McGrath was employed by Getty Oil Company from 1934 until his retirement in 1976. He was manager of Sales Training and Promotion, and later Field Sales Manager. Upon retirement, he and his wife, whom he married in 1943, moved to East Harwich, Mass.

He was an active member of Holy Trinity Church where he served on the Parish Council, as an Eucharistic Minister, and as a Lector. He was a recipient of the Marian Medal. He was also active in the Family Pantry.

He is survived by his wife, three sons, Kevin and wife Helene of East Dennis, Ma., John and wife Katherine of Killingworth, Conn., Richard of Naples, FL. and a daughter Judith Adams of Elmira, N.Y.. He also leaves nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday January 9th 2011 at the Doane Beal & Ames Funeral Home 260 Main St. West Harwich 02671 from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday January 10th at the Holy Trinity Church, Main St. West Harwich at 11am. Interment will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o Holy Trinity Church, P.O. Box 428 W. Harwich, MA 02671