Robert Joseph McGrail, Jr, 72 of Amesbury, Massachusetts, formally of Newburyport, Massachusetts died peacefully on June 19, 2019 at Massachusetts General Hospital, surrounded by his wife and children.
Born in Brockton, MA on March 27, 1947, Bob was the son of Antoinette Marie (D’Arpino) McGrail of Plymouth, MA, and the late Robert Joseph McGrail, Sr.
Bob was raised in East Bridgewater, MA, where he graduated from High School in 1965. He completed two years of post-graduate studies at Weymouth Vocational Regional High School. He served in the US Navy stationed at the Naval Air Station South Weymouth as a Flight Engineer and Aircraft Mechanic from 1967 to 1971.
In the early 1970’s, Bob began his lifelong career in the food service industry where he worked at multiple locations including Friendly’s Ice Cream, Sysco Corporation, and Shaheen Brothers, Inc. This field provided him two things he enjoyed most; love of food & people. He retired from Shaheen Brothers, Inc in 2011 where he held positions as Sales Representative and Purchaser.
His rapport with children led him to become a Charter Member of the Greater Newburyport Exchange Club. He went on to serve as both District Director and President of the New England District Exchange Club. He was loved by many, and known for his quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor. He excelled in the kitchen and enjoyed preparing delicious meals for his loved ones.
He was the loving husband of Cheryl L. (Whiting) McGrail. Surviving family members also include his mother, Antoinette (D’Arpino) McGrail of Plymouth, MA; son, Sean McGrail and wife Melissa (Back) McGrail of Amesbury, MA; daughter, Meghan McGrail Holmes and husband Geoffrey Holmes of Newburyport, MA. He leaves five beloved grandchildren, Robert McGrail, Gavin McGrail, Ryan Tragakis, Jasmin Kirby Holmes and Ryleigh Holmes. In addition, he is survived by his sisters, Mary McGrail, Kathleen Gordon and husband David, Elizabeth Wilkinson and husband, Dale; and brother, Michael McGrail and wife Denise. He also leaves his aunt, Rosemary Baggia, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, June 26 from 4pm-7pm at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, 666 Plymouth Street, (Rte. 58 @ the rotary), Whitman, MA. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 27 at 10 am from the Chapel, followed by a funeral Mass at 11am in St. John the Evangelist Church, 210 Central Street in East Bridgewater, MA. Burial will follow in the St. James Cemetery, Whitman.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to the New England Exchange Club Foundation, Inc. a non-profit 501.c.3 charitable foundation formed to facilitate the prevention of child abuse. Note in check memo ‘NBPT Exchange Club / Bob McGrail’ and mail to: New England Exchange Club Foundation, Inc. 57 Eaton Street, Lawrence, MA 01843. http://nedistrictexchange.com/nefoundation.htm