Thomas Joseph McGrath

Thomas Joseph McGrath passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday February 9, 2019. A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, Tom was a man of extraordinary faith, courage and kindness.

A Medford, MA (class of 1948) top scholar and state medal winning track star, Tom earned a Harvard (class of 1952) scholarship where he majored in English and earned his teaching certificate. After graduation he served his country and was a veteran of the Korean War. In September 1953, Tom enlisted in the Navy and rose to rank of Lieutenant serving until March 1957.

While in the Navy, Tom learned about the field of electronics and went on to obtain a summer job at Raytheon while seeking a fall teaching position. With a growing family to support, the well-paying temporary position at Raytheon soon became permanent and Tom subsequently earned a Master’s Degree in Engineering at Northeastern (class of 1966) without ever having taken an undergraduate Engineering course. He worked at Raytheon for 37 years and became a Division Manager. After retiring, Tom enjoyed monthly meetings with fellow Raytheon retirees.

In addition to electronics, Tom enjoyed woodworking and was a self-taught carpenter and cabinet maker whose motto was, “just ask” and he would build it. An avid reader and skilled sailor, Tom loved living on Cape Cod near the sea. On the Brewster Flats Tom was a legend. For several years, Tom volunteered as a driver for the Brewster Council on Aging.

In 1953 Tom married his Medford High School sweetheart, Dorothea. Together they raised their family in Woburn, summering on Cape Cod in Brewster. After Tom’s retirement, they purchased a home in Brewster where they have lived since 2001.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of almost 66 years, Dorothea (Fraser) McGrath. He was the devoted father of two daughters: Karen (Joseph) DeMaggio of Brewster, MA, and Anne McGrath of Brewster, MA. In addition, Tom was the loving father to four sons. Thomas Joseph McGrath Jr. (predeceased 2015) and his wife Elaine of Bushkill, PA, their four children Jesse, Victoria, Rachel and Heidi and her children, Carson and Kendall (Tom’s great grandchildren); David (Mary Judy) of Amherst, NH and their children Michael and Sean; Richard (Karen) of Wiscasset, ME and their children Joseph and Brian; Gregg (Jackie) of Hingham, MA and their children Ryan, Katie (Dan) Stokinger, Alicia and Kaylee. Tom is predeceased by his siblings Paul, Maureen and Bobby and is survived by his brother John McGrath of Danvers, MA.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 from 4pm -7pm at Doane, Beal and Ames, 729 Route 134, South Dennis, MA. On Thursday, February 14, 2019, Tom’s life will be celebrated at an 11 am mass at Our Lady of the Cape Catholic Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, Brewster, MA with burial following at the Brewster Lower Road Cemetery.

Contributions in Tom’s honor may be given to the Brewster Council on Aging, 1673 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631. For online condolences please visit www.doanebealamesdennis.com