John “Jack” McGrath, 72, died peacefully at home Tuesday, following a courageous battle with cancer. Jack passed with his loving wife of 48 years by his side.
Jack was born on July 19, 1948, in Scranton to the late James P. and Hope Tattersall McGrath. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served two tours in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
After his military service, Jack attended Lackawanna Junior College and then spent his career working for Bank of America until his retirement.
Jack was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Church, Scranton. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed his favorite pastimes with his brothers, son, and nephews.
He was a kind and caring man who loved his family and his country. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He had an infectious laugh and smile that would make anyone he met feel loved. He was a constant defender of the underdog. All that were lucky enough to know him well will always remember his infamous snack drawer and constant reminder that he loved them.
He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, the former Ann Garvey; his son, Ryan and wife Kyra, King of Prussia; his grandchildren, Fletcher and Trevor McGrath; his siblings Joan Dennebaum and husband Paul, Scranton; James McGrath and wife Linda, Scranton; Michael McGrath and wife Susan, Moscow; Mary McGrath Perrone, Dunmore; Joseph McGrath and wife Debra, Tunkhannock; Margaret Schultz and husband John, Dunmore; Judith Jones and husband Thomas, Scranton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Mark T. McGrath.
His family would like to thank the countless healthcare staff including Debbie, Theresa, and Karen, at Traditional Hospice and doctors and VA Medical Center Staff, in particular Dr. Joseph Philbin, for their compassion and care given to Jack and his family throughout his illness.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety concerns, the funeral, with full military honors, will be private at the convenience of the family in Cathedral Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of donations, Jack wished that everyone would just be kind to one another.
Joe & Lisa Morelli
Annie: Sending heartfelt sympathies to you and Ryan and the McGrath family.
Jack was more than a neighbor and cherished friend, he was part of us. His smile, laughter and witticisms are permanently etched in our memory.
God Bless Jack. He is sorely missed.
Chris Cadman
So sorry for your loss Ann and Ryan
Jack will always have a special place in my heart and will never forget his warmth and amazing sense of humour.
Thanks to you all for your kindness and generosity and making me and my family so welcome when we visited !
Lots of love to you all at this difficult time
Bobbi and Garry Adair
Annie,
We are heartbroken. You could not possibly think about Jack and not have a huge smile on your face. He was always the life of the party and just a joy to be around. We are so blessed to have wonderful memories of Jack that will forever be in our hearts.
Truly one of the kindest people ever to grace this world. While our lives are dimmed by his passing, the heavens are brighter for having him there.
Find comfort in all your wonderful memories.
Art & Donna Meyers
We are so very sorry for your enormous loss! Jack was a true gem and will be greatly missed and remembered for his overwhelming kindness and truly infectious laugh! We were blessed to be the daily recipients of his hugs snd blown kisses. Jack would just jump out from his front porch to greet us every time we left the house or returned home. He knew how to live well and had the most amazing gift of making everyone feel genuinely loved!!
This world could use more like him❤️
Paul Kosiba
Judy and Family, please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
JUDI MENSINGER
Dear Ann, what a loss this world and you and your family has endured. He was one of a kind!! I shall never forget the first time I met him. He was up on the porch at the lake and announced, he was coming down to the lake and he had his speedo on!! And then followed that infectious laugh. Please give our Love to Ryan and his family also, and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs. Judi Mensinger
The Clements family
How lucky we were to have the McGrath family live across the street during Ryan’s and our children’s school years. I can still look across the street and see Jack fearlessly walking along the edge of the roof as if he was on solid ground. His infectious smile, his love for his family, friend to everyone–he leaves a void no one else can fill. Our deepest sympathy to the love of his life, Ann, and his son Ryan, who we were privileged to watch grow up.
With only fond memories and love,
Ann , Dale, Leslie, and Jeff Clements
Bob McHugh
Jack is and will be missed in the upper Columbia St, Drinker Place and Richmont St neighborhood area.
He was a good neighbor and his presence and laugh is truly missed.
Bob and Kathleen McHugh
Deb Edwards
Ann, Ryan and family,
May care and love of all those around you provide comfort and love to you in the days ahead. Jack was one of a kind! He will be missed. His unending kindness and constant humor provided all of us with the fondest memories. May those memories lift you up.
Rest in peace Jack.
Joe Sandy
Mike, brothers are special and your brother Jack was truly special.
Thinking of you and Susan.
Kevin Clements
I was a frequent guest of the McGrath household growing up and I have nothing but the best memories of the entire family. What I’ll remember most about Mr. McGrath was that he always went out of his way to show that he was happy to see me. This lasted from the time I was young to the last time I saw him in my 20s. It didn’t matter if I’d last seen him the day before or if years had passed, his warmth was always the same. Though much time has passed, I will truly miss him. Much love to the McGrath family during this sad time and may peace be with you all.
PATRICK RILEY (Pat)
My sincere condolences for your loss.
Jeannie Garvey
Words cannot express the loss I am feeling today and will feel for the rest of my life. Although Jack was not my brother by birth, he was my brother in spirit. He gave me shelter when I needed it, advice when I asked for it, and laughter when I craved it. I will always be grateful for the way he took care of my sister and provided a loving environment for his family. Jack was a gentleman and always made people feel special. I can truly say that my life was breathed easier because he lived.
Margaret Samuels Saltz
So sorry for your loss. I graduated with Jackie. His last wish was a good one. I will keep you in my prayers.
Margaret Samuels Saltz
joe flanagan
anne/familymy deepest sympathyt. i kneew jack from gac/financeamerica days
anne and family;
jack mcGrath
a great guy/my deepest sympathy.. joe f.
Carol Arcangeletti Piskunowicz
So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Cathleen Mohr
I’m so sorry. I’ve always remembered my cousin Jackie and all the fun we had as kids. I’m sending love to his family.
Eddie Harris Jr
I was sitting on my bed when a spirit came over me concerning Jack! I had always wondered whatever happened to him and his family. I worked with Jack as his assistant manager, at Bank of America, here in Orlando, Florida, in the mid to late 70s. I will always remember Jack as being full of wisdom; always telling me to, “Plan your work, and work your plan!” My heartfelt condolences go out to Ann and Ryan and the entire McGrath family and friends! RIP, my friend!
Pastor Eddie Harris, Jr.
Patricia Dee
Mrs.McGrath I am so sorry for the loss of your husband Jack. The only way I knew Jack and yourself was as customers at the restaurant I worked for many years( La Tonalteca) I always enjoyed our conversation.He had a great sense of humor. I am truly sorry and hope you are well. Take care.