I am just now learning of Dr. McGrath's death and I was stunned.  I met him when he first began his practice and he conducted some tests on me.  In later years, he took care of my father when he was ill prior to his death.  Whenever I would be in the halls of the hospital, he would always stop and say hello and be pleasant. It was so apparent that he was an excellent doctor and a good man.  He touched many lives in profound ways.  He will be sorely missed but always remembered in our hearts.  I made a donation to the foundation at Va. Hospital Center in memory of him.  My deepest sympathy to his family.  May he rest in peace and know that there is much gratitude for all he did for many.

Dr. McGrath saved my Fathers' Life. God Bless Him and his family. Thank You God for this angel.

I am saddened by the loss of Dr. McGrath.  He was a wonderful, kind man who sometimes followed up with me as his patient in the evenings when he could not reach me in the daytime. He had such a knowledgeable, calm and supportive manner that made me, and I'm sure others, trust his wisdom and professionalism. He had a nice, quiet sense of humor and I felt so reassured and happy when I visited the office.  I miss him greatly.  And I offer my sympathies to the family. May God take him into his heart.

Douglas Crawford, Alexandria, Virginia

Frankie is my big brother - my forever hero in everyway.  You did so much good for so many people - I am so proud you are my brother.  I took for granted that you would always be here with us and my broken heart misses you more than words could ever tell.  You are by far the best there is...

I can't believe tomorrow has been a month since I lost my beloved Uncle Frank. I truly think of you everyday. The memories of you mean more to me then I can explain. I know you are always with me and be there through my years of medical training. You were truly my inspiration and will always will be. I'm truly blessed to call you my uncle and will forever love you, Aunt Patti and Kelly.

To the McGrath Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. McGrath and offer you our sincerest condolences.  Dr. McGrath treated my husband when he had a heart attack a few years ago.  His warmth and kind disposition were very comforting during a difficult time. I  feel very fortunate and extremely grateful that my husband was under his care.  Rest in peace, Dr. McGrath and thank you for everything you did for my husband.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

As many have already suggested, Dr. McGrath set a very high bar for excellence in knowlege of cardiology and in patient care.  I looked forward to my annual visits, especially for his caring and gentle manner.  His encouragement and gentleness made me want to follow every suggestion he made.

Frank was a wonderful physician. As a primary care doctor I always felt so comfortable in sending patients to him. He was thorough, caring, accurate, and all this always came through to patients. Our shared patients are all asking about him and voice their loss. He could always be counted on.I will miss him.

The outpouring of love, respect & appreciation for my brother, Frank, both at his services and on thIS website by family, friends, colleagues and especially his patients and their families has been truly heartwarming. The "Frank stories" so kindly shared are a gift to treasure. Thank you all. He was too unassuming to ever seek recognition for his accomplishments, so we never heard those stories. To him it was just the "right thing" to do. I was with him for part of his treatment in Baltimore and want to share that "Frank story". I saw first hand his amazing spirit. Frankie set a high standard for courageously facing adversity. He NEVER complained or said "why me?" Even at the most difficult times he managed a sincere "thank you" for those taking care of him. It truly inspires me. As does the quiet manner in which he worked hard and helped people. Going forward without him is daunting, but Frankie's example is an awesome legacy to guide, strengthen and comfort us.

Maria and I would like to pass on our deepest sympathy to Patti, Kelly, Mary Jane, Margaret, Kathy, and all the extended family.  I will always remember the older cousin I so admired and looked-up to.  We can be contacted at jameslasher@hotmail.com
Jim and Maria Lasher, Colorado Springs, CO

My sincere condolences to the McGrath family.  Frank was an inspirational person at work who went out of his way to help and heal others.  His kind and gentle manner certainly affected many of us who interacted with him.  Rest in peace, we will miss you.

Dear Mrs. Mcgrath and Kelly,
Dr. Mcgrath became my doctor when I had my heart attack 18 years ago.I was so fortunate to be his patient.He was always the kind gentleman that made every patient feel so special. Dr. Mcgrath was not only an amazing,compassionate physician, but alao a man of great integrety. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both,his family and friends.

I am devastated to hear of the passing of Dr. Grath.  He was my cardiologist for many years before I moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, last year.  He was a wonderful human being, so kind and caring!  He was such a perfect doctor and was a source of great comfort.  My heart and prayers go out to his family and all who loved him.  With deep sympathy,  Gloria k. Cobb

Dear Mrs Mcgrath and Kelly,
Our deepest sympathy to all the fa

Mrs.McGrath and family,
I was deeply saddened to read of the passing of Dr.McGrath.  I worked with him as a "young RN" at GUH when he was a "young" Med Student,Intern,Resident and Fellow. He was always a caring,friendly,dedicated Physician and a great person.  Much sympathy to you.
Kaye Frere Toombs

As three generations of one family who have been Dr. McGrath's patients, all of us have spoken of him with reverence and love so often over the years. Simply stated, he was the best doctor we've ever met or are likely to meet. He gave my elderly mother 10 more years of good health and time with her grandchildren than she would have had without him. My husband and I have been his patients for many years and our 30 year old son who was concerned about a heart murmur detected by another doctor had the good luck to have Dr. McGrath's thorough exam and a reassuring review of his case. But it is the warmth of his friendship we will miss most of all. We shared photos as proud grandparents and often heard about the accomplishments of his beloved daughter as she married and became a mother. For all the good work he did, his experience and expertise which made him such an outstanding physician, his great gentleness and compassion to his patients, as well as that twinkle in his eye and warmth in his voice - he will be greatly missed. He was a great man.

My words fall short of expressing my sorrow and sadness I feel for you. I have not been blessed with the opportunity of being a part of your Brother's life Kathy but from your knowing you and how you speak of him I wish I had.
Although your heart is heavy, my hope and prayer for all of you is that each day your hearts will feel lighter and lighter from the loss you are feeling, until one day only sweet memories remain to comfort you.

I will always be thankful to Dr. McGrath for his assuring bedside manner as we discussed my condition following my heart attack in 2010. What a great cardiologist.  He will be missed by his patients who trusted in his care. My sympathy to his family.

He wasn't just my Doctor, he was my friend. He made me feel like everything was going to be alright. I worried about him, that he worked so hard for others and not enough time for himself. Maybe now he will get the rest he so richly deserved.  God Bless.

Dr. McGrath helped save my life and he gave to me encouragement and support beyond being my cardiologist. I will miss him and his soft voice.

Dear Patti and Kelly,
Your dad was Dean's cardiologist. At Dean's yearly check up, we were so surprised to not see him. He had such a wonderful way of making a patient and family feel cared for and secure and important. We are so sorry to have received news of Frank's passing and will certainly add him to our prayers. I'm sure he is with the angels now and watching over you -- his beautiful family -- and the many patients who appreciated his compassionate care. Through your support of his dedication to pratice medicine, you, too, supported and cared for his many patients.

Dear Patti and Kelly, I just read of Frank's passing and I'm so sorry. He was a very special person. I think of you all often, and have such fond memories of our years as neighbors, especially of Frank somehow managing to always choose the hottest day of the summer to seal the driveway.

Love to you both and to the rest of your family,
Martha Gerstein

First, deep condolences to Dr. McGrath's family and friends.  My wife and I were deeply saddened yesterday when we opened the letter from Virginia Heart and read of Dr. McGrath's passing.  I have little to add to the high and warm words of praise others have already written.  All I'll say is that before and during the thirteen years I was his patient, his was the only medical appointment I actually looked forward to.  What a fine man and outstanding physician!  We will miss him.

Francis and I went to high school together. He was a quiet and very kind person during those years. I am not at all surprised to learn of his many achievements. I offer prayers to his wife and children. May the Creator hold you all close together during this time.

To the Family of Francis McGrath,

I was a patient of Dr McGrath's for over twenty years and am crushed by the news of his passing.   He provided so much more then medical care to me, and I am sure others, that it is difficult to put it into words.  I wish we all would aspire to the high standards of practice of Francis McGrath in whatever we do in this world.    My deepest sympathies go to his family and to his colleagues with his passing.

I am sorry for your loss and offer my sympathy at this time as neighbor for a long time.

Dear Patti,
           Sorry to hear about FRANK. We had some good times at SJHS. Somewhere I still have a photo of yourself and Frank at a party at my house in Iselin, N.J.  with Steve Godleski and other friends. 
 Sadly thinking of you,  Walt Healey

Dear Patti..I just found out today about Frank's passing and am so saddened..you know how much I admired him and the notes that say "he was the gold standard" are right on the mark. One day I placed a call to fellow nurses and said "I know you can't pick a Dr for me, but would you name 3 doctors you would go to " And 3 separate nurses in ICUS said "that's easy.....McGrath, McGrath and McGrath"    As Always, Kathleen Flanagan

What a kind and gentle soul Dr McGrath was!  I was a patient of his since 2000 and knew him professionally as well and enjoyed our discussion of pets and family with each visit.  He always made you feel cared for,...a true gift of a great physician.  He will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him professionally as well as those of us who knew him as our doctor. My condolences to his family.

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. McGrath. I worked with him for several years and his gentle spirit and kind heart will always be remembered. He was truly a "one of a kind" physician and could never be replaced.  I know you will miss him, but just know that he was loved by many and will live forever in the hearts of us all. I will continue to pray that your family will find peace and comfort in this time of sorrow.

May God continue to bless and keep you.

Temeka Coates

Dr. McGrath was kind, compassionate and always very professional.  He saved my life by correctly diagnosing and recommending the proper medications.  I will miss him terribly as my physician.  There will be no one like him.  I am very sad.  My sympathy to all his family. 
Peggy Trapp

Amy, I and our family are extremely saddened by the untimely death of Francis J. McGrath. He was the salt of the earth, both as a physician and as a person.
 
The legendary  W. Proctor Harvey regarded him as one of the best cardiac fellows he ever trained.
 
May he rest in peace!
 
God's Blessings and Comfort.
 
Oscar Mann M.D.

Amy, I and our family are extremely saddened by the untimely death of Francis J. McGrath. He was the salt of the earth, both as a physician and as a person.
 
The legendary W. Proctor Harvey regarded him as one of the best cardiac fellows he ever trained.
 
May he rest in peace!
 
God's Blessings and Comfort.
 
Oscar Mann M.D.

I could always count on Dr. McGrath to call back immediately whenever one of his patients ran into trouble. He was always calm and compassionate and his patients and the nurses always loved him.  He was so proud of his daughter.  He will be greatly missed by all.  Diane and Terry Hiebert (Coaldale, Colorado)

It was very evident by an early age that "Dr. Frankie" was special. His calm,cool manner and devotion to his profession were much to be admired. He will be missed. I pray that he is at peace!

Patti, 
I am so terribly sorry for you and your  family. 
This is such a shock, I am here for anything you need. He was such a nice man.
Lost Dog Pam

I am so saddened to hear of Dr. McGrath's passing and send my deepest sympathies.  I worked with him for many years in the Cardiac Cath Lab at VHC; he was a great man and Cardiologist and will be greatly missed.

There has never been a kinder, sweeter physician than dear Dr McGrath.  He was absolutely beloved by all of us nurses. How we will miss his wisdom and wit and gentle manner.

I met Frank McGrath as an intern through Georgetown at Arlington Hospital, and have had the great privilege of working with him as a colleague over the past 9 years.  He was an excellent, thorough and compassionate physician, and was such a kind man.  He will always continue to be a role model and inspiration to me.

The world was truly a better place with Cousin Frankie in it. We will miss his warmth and wonderful smile. Wish we could be with you!

My brother and I attended St. Joe's, me a year ahead and my brother with Frank. We knew him from grammar school days at St. Mary School in Plainfield, and he lived only a few blocks from our home. He was a fine young man when I knew him. My sincere condolences to the McGrath family.

Sorry is never enough. I grew up with Frank going to St Mary's and then St. Joseph's HS. I was thinking about him just the other day when I found our third grade class picture. I can see from the other notes that he continued to be a great guy.  He will be missed.

Dr. McGrath was by far the greatest doctor I have ever worked with , his soft spoken manner , and snappy humor made him a absolute pleasure to be around. My heart sank when I heard news of his illness and broke when I was made aware of his passing. I will forever appreciate his never changing nature, his compassion and passion for his craft and if I could say one last thing to him it would simply be …Thank You….thank you for being a shining example, for all to see, of what a  physician ,co-worker and just all around great human being is supposed to be! On Monday an amazing treasure was lost that will never be replaced, but all of us who had the honor of being in his presences should be quite grateful. To Mrs. McGrath and Kelly(whom he shared many stories about) my heart and prayers go out to you, you more than any of us understand what a great loss this is, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you and all of your loved one.

God Bless

Sad to hear about Frank. Deepest condolences.

Dr. McGrath was my cardiologist. I selected him because he embodied the traits I value in a physician - compassion, honesty, exceptional skills. He always made me feel like he had time for my concerns - a rare commodity in today's world. He will be sorely missed not only by his family and friends but his patients as well. RIP and God bless you, Dr. McGrath!

Forty-five years on, and I still recall Frank as a wonderful friend and class mate.  His compassion and strength of character were obvious from the first time I met him.  May he rest in peace, and may his family find that peace as well.

so sorry for your loss. you don't know me, and i hadn't seen Frank since the last day of HS in 1967. but, we shared many, many laughs over the 4 yrs at sjhs, and i am sorry to hear of his passing. he was a real good guy. too young.

I am so sorry to hear about Frank's passing. Along with St. Joe's alumni, please accept our condolences

Pat
So sorry to hear of Frank's passing. You and your family will be in our prayers.

Dear Patti and Kelly,
I know that your beloved Frank/Dad is among the Saints as he was their personification here on earth.  Whether in Honduras or at VHC he gave of his kind heart with humility and grace. He will be sorely missed.  My deepest condolences.

Dr. McGrath was always a favorite attending among the Georgetown University Internal Medicine residents who rotated through "arlington hospital".  I especially appreciated his smiles and colleagiality  when I became one of the medical staff.  As one of the true pillars here at the hospital - he will be surely missed by us.  Deepest sympathies to his family.

I will miss you, Frank- your calm presence, both in the ICU and on trips to Honduras, was a wonderful thing. And your sense of humor rocked.

Dr. McGrath was one of the nicest doctors I have ever worked for. His spirit was so kind and he was such a joy to be around. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Kelly,
My sister just told me about your dad. All the nurses that worked with him are mourning the loss of an amazing doctor and even better man. My thoughts are with you.

Dr. Frank was my cardiologist for more than ten years and saved my life and sanity on my occasions.

After leaving Virginia for Florida in 1993, I lost touch with him,  I have good memories of him and will pray for him at Mass this evening.

My sincere sympathies are extended to the family.

God Bless you all!

As an ICU R.N. I took care of many of Dr. McGrath's patients over the years. He was not only an excellent doctor but waa kind, polite and gentlemanly. He will be missed.

"Dr. McGrath was a respected mentor, a dear colleague and a good friend.
Frank was a brilliant and devoted physician who encompassed all of the best virtues of a "Doctor". We have all lost a tremendous individual, Frank will be missed by his patients, colleagues, friends. Our heartfelt sympathy to Patti, Kelly and their families......"   Ellen and Ed Bodurian(Bethesda, Md.)

Patti, Kelly, Graham, Elliott, and all of my McGrath cousins.  Our thoughts are with you all.  Cousin Frank has always been an inspiration to us all and will be
deeply missed.

Like so many others, I was privileged to know Frank for many years. He not only saved my life, his friendship, care and grace have been an important part of that life. I never minded waiting for him because I knew he was giving the same care and compassion to each of his patients. Frank truly dedicated himself to both the science and art of medicine. And as my brother Jonathan who studied under him and is now director of emergency medicine at Boston Medical Center said, "Frank was the gold standard." I am devastated by his loss, and will always miss him. My heart goes out to Patti and Kelly and may you find some comfort in the countless lives he touched and made better.

Dear Mrs. McGrath & Kelly,
Dr. McGrath was my husband's cardiologist for many years and recently mine as well. I know many people join me in sending you our sincere sympathies. He was the most intelligent, kind, considerate, caring and patient physician.  He never rushed us - always giving us as much time as we felt we needed. He will be greatly missed.  May God bless you and your family.
Carole Aronheim, Oakton, Virginia

To the McGrath Family,
Our heart felt sympathy goes out to you all.  Dr. McGrath touched every member of our family in a special way with his kindness, understanding and skill.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.

Dearest Patti, Kelly & All the Family,

Dr. Frank McGrath was Jesus in Disguise to me and all those in my Family who were so fortunate to be his patients. I simply can not say enough about this Man of God, Dr. John Mandanis who Frank emulated, and all the great staff and Doctors at Virginia Heart. Frank and I shared so much together...I thank God that Frank is in the his Lord's Hands now...our prayers are with each of you.

Frank was my friend and mentor. I followed him through St. Joe's to Georgetown and served as his cardiac fellow and later as a colleague. It is impossible to measure the positive influence he has had on my life. The world is a much better place for people like Frank and I will miss him dearly.

Mrs. McGrath & Family,
You have our sincere sympathy for your loss. I've been Dr.McGrath's patient for 19 years and also feel a deep loss for a doctor and a friend.

Oh, Frank, we will miss you at VHC! Overwhelming kindness and unsurpassed professionalism.

Dear Kelly,
We just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and your precious family. I've been praying that God will comfort you and help you get through this difficult time.  We love you guys!

Will and Jessica Sugg

The finest cardiologist one could ask for. He always gave you all the time you needed, day or night!  He was my man for over 20 years and I'll miss him. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Dr McGrath saved my life and the staff had to schedule extra time for each office visit as we never lacked things to talk about. I will miss him and my life is less sure without his care.  My deepest sympathies to his family. Bev Daly, patient

Dr. McGrath was so special and dear to our parents. He was always available to share his time. From the family of Thompson H. Boyd, Jr. and Lore E. Boyd.

Although I never met Dr McGrath, my McDonald cousins stories helped me understand the source of joy his loving family gave him.  He was a very fortunate parent and grandparent, a legacy of which he had to have been proud. My deepest sympathy to all.

We will miss him for sure; our deepest sympathies to the family

Frank was a dedicated physician who talents, I am sure, will be greatly missed. More importantly, I will always remember how much he loved you, Patti, all through school. While, unfortunately, we lost contact over the years, the few times we did get together, it was obvious how proud he was of his family and how much he deeply loved you all. Our prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Love Helena and Peter Train

Dear Patti, Kelly, Graham, and beloved Elliott,
Frank was a dedicated, gifted physician, a cherished friend and neighbor. We will miss him so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always, Frank and Janice Cotter and family

OBITUARY

Dr Francis J McGrath Jr

March 23, 1949 – September 10, 2012

National Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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