Richard R. McGrath age 83 of West Bridgewater formerly of Brockton died Monday August 17, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband for 59 years of Priscilla J. (Richards) McGrath.
Richard (aka Dick/ Mac) was born in Brockton a son of the late Alphonse and Beatrice (McCarthy) McGrath and remained a resident of the city until moving to Matfield Woods, West Bridgewater 14 years ago. Richard was a graduate of St. Patrick Grammar School and a 1951 graduate of Brockton High School. During the Korean Conflict, Richard served in the US Navy aboard the USS Compton.
In 1993 Richard retired from AT&T after 37 years as a technician. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers and IBEW Union Local 2222.
While living in Brockton, Richard was a communicant of St. Edward Church and a member of their Holy Name Society. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Seville Council in Brockton and was also a member and past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge 164. He was a Tin Can Sailor and was active in the North Little League, Brockton as both a coach and president. While living in West Bridgewater, Richard was active in the Matfield Woods Community.
Richard enjoyed his second home at Four Seasons Estates in Largo, Florida where he was a member of the computer club.
Richard will be remembered as a kind and generous man who was also a jokester, wise guy and the town crier. His true joy in his life was his family especially spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He gave them all his unconditional love.
In addition to his wife Priscilla, Richard leaves his children Michael R. McGrath and his wife Laurel of Stoughton, Pauline A. McDonough and her husband Thomas of Plainville, Scott G. McGrath and his wife Erin of Middleboro, Maureen L. Shobaken and her husband Ron of Franklin, Christine B. McMasters and her husband Ronald of Bridgewater, Sean P. McGrath of West Bridgewater, Nadine J. McGrath of Raynham and the late Margaret McGrath. He was the devoted grandfather to Megan (McGrath) Quinn and her husband James, Colin & Kendra McMasters, Mackenzie, Will, Carson & Davis McGrath, Anders & Kelsey Shobaken, Brenna, James, Riley & Nathan McGrath, Mason & Brayden McGrath and his step -granddaughter Erika Druker. He was very much excited to learn about the pending arrival of his first great grandchild in January 2016. He also leaves Nadine’s companion Joseph Cook and his former daughter-in-law Deana McGrath and the late Evelyn McGrath. He also leaves a brother George D. McGrath and his wife Lucille of West Bridgewater and two sisters-in-law Yvonne Guidice of Phoenix, AZ and Beatrice Chisholm of Heatherton, Nova Scotia as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123) Brockton on Thursday 4-8 pm. A procession will gather at the funeral home on Friday at 9:15am for a Funeral Mass in St. Ann Church, West Bridgewater at 10:30am. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery. In lieu of followers donations may given in Richard’s name to Old Colony Hospice, One Credit Union Way, Randolph, MA 02368 http://www.oldcolonyhospice.org/ways-to-give/memorial-giving.