Obituary of Edward T. McGrath

Edward T. McGrath of Plainfield, NJ, known for his warmth, humor, compassion and social conscience, died at the age of 84 at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center on Monday, February 11th. Mr. McGrath was the son of Bridget and John McGrath of Plainfield; he graduated from Plainfield High School, and later attended the Academy of Advanced Traffic in New York City and Rutgers University College. Mr. McGrath was a US Army Veteran of the Second World War in the European Theatre of Operations. He was discharged as a Master Sergeant in 1946, returning home to Plainfield. In the post-war years, he began a long career at Johnson & Johnson retiring in 1985 as Traffic Manager for one of J & Js operating companies. Mr. McGrath was an active member of St. Bernards Church, Plainfield serving as a volunteer on the parish staff and Coordinator of the Homeless Hospitality Program under the auspicious of the Interfaith Council for the Homeless in Union County. He was also a strong defender of Civil Rights. He was a lifelong baseball fan, stubbornly but charmingly persistent in his support of New Yorks National League Teams, the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Mets in the face of his wifes, sons and grandsons unflagging support of the Yankees. Mr. McGrath treasured his Irish Heritage, and loved visiting Ireland, particularly in the company of friends and family. His brother Francis and sister Hannah Sheehan predecease him. Mr. McGrath is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alice Perry McGrath; his sons Donald McGrath of Manasquan, NJ and Edward T. McGrath, Jr. of Watertown, MA; his daughters Patricia Branch of Raymond, ME. and Eileen Higgins of Martinsville, NJ; sister Mary Lasher of Bridgewater, NJ; his grandsons Patrick and Timothy Higgins; his sons-in-law Nicholas Branch and Joseph Higgins; daughter-in-law Julie Johnson-McGrath and sister-in-law Emma McGrath. He was also a fond uncle of many nieces, nephews and was considered the patriarch of his extended family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Funeral Services will be on Friday, February 15th at 9:00 a.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 209 West 8th Street, Plainfield followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Resurrection at St. Bernards R.C. Church, Plainfield. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 14th from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Funerals Home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Eds name be made to the charity of your choice.