Obituary of John J McGrath Sr.

John J. McGrath Sr., 91 of Maplewood died at home on May 14, 2017 surrounded by his family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Joseph's Church, 767 Prospect St., Maplewood, on Friday, May 19th at 10:00 AM. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, E. Hanover. Visitation at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home 2122 Millburn Ave, Maplewood on Thursday 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM. John lived in Maplewood since 1961. He served as an Aerial Gunner in the US Army Air Corp during WW II. After the war, John earned a BA from Seton Hall College. He was a NJ State Trooper (1947-1971). After retiring from the State Police, John worked as a Security Supervisor for Sea Land Shipping at Port Newark. Mr. McGrath was Past President of Former Troopers Association of NJ, five-time Past Commander of Maplewood VFW Post 10120, and member of the Knights of Columbus, Maplewood. Born in Orange, NJ, John was a skilled animal trainer in his youth and joined his cousins and uncle performing in the Capt. Mack Small Fry Traveling Circus. John is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years Grace Lintott McGrath, his six devoted children, Patricia M. LaMagna (Paul), John J. McGrath Jr. (JoAnn), COL Kevin P. McGrath (USA Ret) (Debbie), Maureen C. McGrath, Ellen M. McGrath, and Margaret M. Henke (Eugene), his loving sister Mary Alice O'Sullivan, dear cousin Ruth LaVelle, 13 grandchildren (Kathleen, Kristin, Brittany, James, Tricia Anne, Gene, Anna, Kevin Patrick, Daniel, Paul, Erin, Joseph and Jackie), 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Joseph's Church would be appreciated. For more information or to send condolences please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com