John Ronald McGrath
January 11, 1945- October 3, 2022
Passed away peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, NL on Monday, October 3, 2022. In his final hours, he was surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Born in Colliers and grew up in Freshwater, NL. Predeceased by his Mother Bridget McGrath (Lewis) and father John McGrath, brother Francis McGrath (Gladys) and baby sister Margaret McGrath.
Left to mourn with a lifetime of loving memories, his rock and beloved wife of 50 years, Mary (King), his two sons, John-Paul (Elisabeth Melo), Mark-Denis (Michelle Bugden), his loving grandchildren Alexandre and Alice, and fur babies and fur grand babies, Rosie, Watson, Teddy and Lulu.
Also left to mourn, his cherished brothers, sisters and their families; Jerome McGrath (Ann Marie), Brendan McGrath, Marg Power (Fred Power), Marie McGrath (Larry Dalley), Geraldine Lannon (Donny Lannon), Donna O’Reilly (Dick O’Reilly), Theresa Gale (Pat Gale), and Gerard McGrath (Bernadette), the entire extended McGrath and King families and a lifetime of friends as close as family in Freshwater, Labrador West, Montreal, Sept-Iles, and St. John’s.
Our family would like to express a special thanks to his lifelong friend Bon Fagan, who’s visits were so appreciated until the end and Marie and Larry’s visits, food drop offs and support. We would also like to thank all of the health care and home care professionals who provided loving care for our father when he needed it most.
We would also like to acknowledge his 41 years working with Wabush Mines in Human Resources which he loved. Following his retirement, he shared his passion of helping people by serving on volunteer boards and committees such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Employer’s Council, the Labour Relations Board, St. Bonaventure’s College, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John’s.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Maher's Funeral Home, Placentia, NL. Visitation to take place on Thursday, October 6th from 2pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm at Maher's Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30am on Friday, October 7th at Holy Rosary Church, Freshwater. Interment to follow at Dermot McGettigan Memorial Cemetery, Southeast Placentia.
Flowers accepted or donations can be made in his memory to the Healthcare Foundation.
You were a dear son, a loving husband, a beloved father and role model, an adoring grandfather, a cherished brother, a caring friend, and an inspirational mentor and colleague. We all love you dearly and will miss you every minute of every day.