John H. McGrath, of Lowell and Worcester, MA, passed away on December 15, 2020. John was born in Worcester, MA on March 23, 1922, and was a son of the late Patrick and the late Kathleen (Gilrain) McGrath. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary (Truedson) and Kathleen; and his brothers, Patrick, William, and Joseph; and his former wife, Yvette.
John was a US Army Veteran of World War II, serving in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy with the 7th R.D. and the 91st Infantry Division. He received 5 Battle Stars, including campaigns of El Guettar, Rome -Arno, North Apennines, and Po Valley. Following the war, he joined the Worcester Fire Department, where he served for 29 years, retiring in 1978. He then joined the Greater Worcester Board of Realtors, associated with Goldstein Real Estate.
Prior to the war, John (“Lefty” McGrath) was a semi-pro left-handed pitcher playing with Groton & Knight, Prudence, Worcester All Stars, and the Lake View Athletics, along with his brother, Pat. He was the nephew of Baseball Hall of Famer, Jesse Burkett. He loved baseball, golf, dancing, gardening, and “scratchers”.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved companion, Roselyn Machado of Lowell, MA; his daughter, Jill McGrath Jones (CAPT Gary W. Jones, USCG Ret.) of MD; his sons, John H. McGrath, Jr. of MA and James B. McGrath of VT; his grandsons, Grady, Mitchell and Jesse; many nieces, nephews and their children; and many close friends.
At a future date, when travel and gathering are safe from COVID, a celebration of his life will be held at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA with interment following at St Patrick’s Cemetery in Lowell. Updated funeral information will be posted on the funeral home website and Facebook page.