Plan for the Future
~~JOHN (JACK) KENNETH MCGRATH
Chatham’s Number One Fan
John McGrath passed away peacefully on May 3, 2016. Born in Summit, NJ to William Henry McGrath and Catherine Gorman.
Jack enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1943 and honorably discharged in 1946. During this period, he married the love of his life, Elsa, in 1944, after meeting at a roller rink in Short Hills, NJ.
Jack worked 35 years as a service technician for PSE&G, retiring in 1980.
Jack spent many years volunteering as an umpire for the Chatham Little League and recognized by the community both in 1969 and in 1996.
Jack’s great passion was amassing a large collection of model cars, airplanes, and trucks. He loved Big Band music, especially the Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey Bands. In his opinion, TCM was the only channel worth watching, enjoying black and white movies from the forties. Having a sharp memory, he remembered all the actors and story lines.
After his wife, Elsa, passed away in 2002, Jack found a new passion in following the Chatham Township High School Girls’ sports. The parents and players both embraced Jack as their Number One fan. For each new season of volleyball, basketball, and softball he wore a T shirt with each team player’s name and their number.
Jack embraced local Chatham businesses. He could be found every day at John’s luncheonette and, in later years, Angie’s for breakfast and lunch. He thoroughly enjoyed driving his car, taking the family for rides in the country starting in the 50’s and continuing through late 2015.
He was predeceased by his older brothers, William and Robert. He leaves behind 3 children, Jack Jr., Kathy (husband Frank), and Cynthia; several nieces, nephews and many friends, too numerous to mention.
Donations in Jack’s name can be made to: The Chatham Athletic Foundation P.O. Box 568, Chatham, New Jersey 07928, theboard@chathamathleticfoundation.org and the VNA of Somerset Hills, NJ, https://www.visitingnurse.org.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016 starting at 11:00 at Chatham Presbyterian Church located at 240 Southern Blvd in Chatham, NJ. Interment will be private. http://www.pcct-nj.org. For further information or to send a condolence, please visit www.www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com