William J. McGrath, age 87, a Woburn resident for over sixty years passed away suddenly on October 22nd, at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary L. (Scandura) McGrath. Born in Boston on February 24, 1926 he was the son of the late William and Maude (Parks) McGrath.
William was raised and educated in Malden where he was a 1944 graduate of Malden High School. William was also a proud Veteran; He enlisted in the United States Navy on January 1, 1944 and honorably served his country during WWII until his discharge from active service in May of 1946. When he returned home from the War he began his career as an electrician and was a member of the I.B.E.W. Union local 103 for sixty years. He retired from the MBTA where worked as an Electrical Foreman for over thirty years. William enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his two grandsons and cherished his role the family patriarch. He possessed a wonderful outgoing personality and truly enjoyed socializing and making new friendships. Always active, William enjoyed bowling and throughout his life he was an avid and passionate golfer. He was a member of the Woburn Country Club and participated in the Senior League for several years.
Along with his wife and parents, William is predeceased by his son, the late Michael McGrath, and sister, the late Ann McGrath. He is survived by his children, Shaye Leary and her husband Joseph of Woburn, Stephen McGrath and his wife Cathy of Tucson, AZ, and daughter-in-law Sharon McGrath of Stoneham. He was the loving grandfather of Joseph W. Leary of Woburn and Stephen J. McGrath Jr. of Tucson, AZ.
Funeral from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Saturday, October 26th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at St. Patrick Cemetery, Stoneham. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in William's memory to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.dellorusso.net