Joseph Lawrence McGrath

He is survived by his loving wife Patricia McGrath (Zeltmann), their daughters Crystal and Ashley McGrath, his sister Patricia Meyers and her children Donald McGrath and Shanna Day.

Joe is preceeded in death by his son William Lawrence McGrath, his father- in-law Ernest Zeltmann Sr., mother-in-law Sonja Zeltmann, their son and his brother- in-law Ernest Zeltmann, his father Joseph Donald McGrath and his mother Edna McGrath, and brother-in-law Donald Meyers.

Joseph graduated from Bishop McNamara in Forrestville, Maryland in 1978. He and wife Patricia would be celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary on December 4th of this year. The two had known each other for over 46 years, and were married at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, Maryland in 1982. They had grown up within 5 miles of one another no matter where their families moved over the years and never knew it; they considered it fate.

Joe loved the Redskins, fishing, hunting and a good barbeque. He had a passion for cooking and a love of seafood. He loved spending time with his family and watching his girls grow up. His sense of humor and voice impersonations inspired and delighted them. Joe enjoyed home improvement projects and building things for his daughters. His proudest achievement was a Redskin themed rec room with hand painted tables, memorabilia and furniture he built and Patricia decorated with him.

He was an avid dog lover. Joe and Patty often hosted football parties with their neighbors and friends where Joe’s antics became legendary among the group and won't soon be forgotten.

Joe was a loving husband and father who worked hard to provide the best life he could for his family. He leaves behind many friends and colleagues from Wonderbread/Hostess for 28 years and Tastykake for 10 years. He owned his own business as an independent contractor for Tastykake for ten years before retiring in 2023.

As a closing thought using a quote he loved the most, with heavy hearts we are happy he is at peace and end with his favorite quote: “No matter where you go, there you are”.

We hope it's a beautiful place. He will be missed.

There will be no services at this time.