HIRAM- Roger McGrath “Podge”, 84, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 16, 2023. After a three year long courageous battle with cancer he passed peacefully at home with his loving wife and family by his side. Roger was born in Sanford, the oldest of four children, to Lillian (Griffith) and James McGrath on August 25, 1938. He was raised in Limerick by his loving and caring grandmother, Evelyn Cressy and attended Limerick schools.
He got his first job at age sixteen, working at Three Hills (Apple) Farm in Limerick. Every summer, Mrs. Hall, the owner of the farm, would take her three employees, including Roger, to her cottage in MA. On one visit, she took them to the Kennedy Compound in Cape Cod where Roger got to meet John F. Kennedy before he became President. Roger had a special regard for JFK and always considered him as his favorite President. Through a friend, Roger found work in Lubec, roofing - saying some roofs actually hung at the water’s edge! He grew fond of Lubec and enjoyed visiting as often as he could. He really enjoyed touring President Roosevelt’s home on Campobello Island in Canada. Roger worked for Don Woody Co. (The Box Shop) in Kezar Falls as a wood scaler for twenty-six years. He lastly worked at Saunder Brother’s in Westbrook and retired in 2002.
Roger was married to his loving wife, Brenda (Brunk) for thirty-one wonderful years. He loved taking trips with Brenda and his daughter and son-in-law. He loved fishing, hunting, car rides, visiting friends, bottle-picking, yard-saling and people-watching. He loved laughing, fooling, teasing, and making up funny sayings. Most of all, he loved his family and friends dearly.
Roger is predeceased by an infant daughter Elaine, a son Robert “Bobby” and a grandson Christopher. He is survived by his wife Brenda; daughter Tracy Miller and husband Michael of Limington; grandson Steven Miller and partner Kimberlee and great-grandsons Christopher and Colton Miller; stepson Michael Gould and partner Nicole Thompson of Hollis; step-granddaughter Karly Winslow and husband Lucas of Hollis and step-great-grandson Lucas Jr. “LJ”. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Greg Brunk and wife Linda of Limington and sister-in-law Laurie (Brunk) Saucier and husband Louie of Porter - who loved him very much.
At Roger’s request there will be no visiting hours or funeral.
A private graveside service and celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Online Condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com
Online Donations can be directly at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital
Or their mailing address: 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish, www.mainefuneral.com