John “Jack” McGrath, 85, husband of Janet Marsh McGrath, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at his home in Florida surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born November 12, 1940 in Meriden, Connecticut to the late Gerald and Marie McGrath. He attended elementary school at Saint Joseph’s School in Meriden, Connecticut and high school at Groton Central School in Groton, New York. During his high school years, Jack excelled on the basketball court, earning an induction into the Groton Central School’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Jack enjoyed a distinguished career with Smith Corona Corporation and also served in the Army Reserves for several years. His career with Smith Corona took him from Cortland, New York, to Toronto, Canada, and to Singapore. He retired in 1992 as Senior Vice President of Operations and Engineering, a position that reflected his dedication, leadership, and expertise. Retirement suited Jack well, and he spent the next 34 years enjoying life in New York, Texas, and Florida. Jack was a proud member of the American Legion for 56 continuous years and was also an active member of the Elks Club and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was very proud of and thoroughly celebrated his Irish heritage.

Above all else, Jack will be remembered for his quick wit, his infectious sense of humor, and his unwavering love for his family and friends. Jack and Janet shared nearly 63 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, laughter, and family. Jack treasured every opportunity to gather with those he loved and rarely missed a family celebration. Whether cheering from the sidelines at his grandchildren’s sporting events, attending graduations and weddings, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, or reconnecting at family reunions, he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. Some of his favorite times were spent on the golf course and reminiscing with lifelong friends at his high school reunions.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jack is survived and will be dearly missed by his daughter Carrie Redding, his sons, John McGrath and Michael McGrath, his son-in-law, Kevin Redding, his daughters-in-law Julie McGrath and Maureen McGrath, his grandchildren, Kailey Redding and her husband Albert Dela Peña, Erin Redding and her partner William Beney, John McGrath and his wife Adrienne McGrath, Jeanette Johnson and her husband Mitchell Johnson, Matthew McGrath, Lucia Creeden-Spencer and her husband Zachariah Spencer, and Nathan Creeden. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Wesley Johnson and Iris Dela Peña.

Jack is further survived by many loving nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart. In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his sisters, Patricia Ryan and Maureen Dobratz, his brother, Gerald McGrath II, his brothers-in-law, Raymond Dobratz, Sr. and Thomas Ryan, his sister-in-law, Connie McGrath, and his nephews, Raymond Dobratz, Jr., Gary Heck, and Steven Heck.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Cornerstone Hospice of The Villages, Forida, for the exceptional care and kindness they provided to Jack and his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in both Meriden, Connecticut and in Groton, New York.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation or to Alzheimer's Association.