Obituary of Thomas W. McGrath

McGrath, Thomas W., Sr., of Gloucester City, NJ, passed away on May 1, 2007; Aged 78 years. Born in Camden, NJ, Tom was a resident of Gloucester City for over 50 years. He was a candy foreman for Whitman Chocolates in Philadelphia before serving in the US Army as a cook during the Korean War. After his military duty, he worked for over 23 years as a stone mason and carpenter for his brother in law at Baldyga Construction. He then went to work as an electrician with McGrath Electric for many wonderful years. Tom was a former member of the Church of the Ascension in Gloucester City where he also spent time serving on the vestry; presently he is a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Woodbury. Tom dedicated his life to helping others, especially with the Fire Department, Rescue Services and Ambulance services where he served close to 50 years and shared his expertise with building construction skills. Tom was an active member of the Highland Park volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and worked his way up through the ranks, became Fire Chief of the Gloucester City Fire Department, retired in 1990 and made a life member. Even though he retired in 1990, he was still extremely involved and on the Board of Directors for the Camden County Fire Chief Assn where he was also active in the Annual Golf Tournament that raised money for burn victims at Krozer and St. Agnes Burn Centers. Tom was a wonderful cook, enjoyed baking and loved to spend time with his grandchildren. He was a hardworking, compassionate and loving man who had the ability to ease everyone?s pains or fears with his humor. Tom was a dedicated husband and father and made many sacrifices to assure that his family had a good life. He will be sadly missed by his loving family and dear friends. Beloved Husband of 54 years to Mary nee Hughes; Devoted Father of Thomas W., Jr , Gerald Paul and his wife, Carol, Nancy and her husband, Arthur Close; Loving Grandfather of Jonathan, Jeffrey, Nicholas and Timothy McGrath, Garrett and Caitlin Close and great grandfather of Angelina and Nicholas McGrath; Dear Brother of Dorothy and her husband, Henry Baldyga. Visitation on Sunday, 6:30?9:00 PM and Monday, 9:15?10:15 AM at the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ. Burial Office and Holy Eucharist Monday, 11 AM at Christ Episcopal Church. Delaware St., Woodbury, NJ. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ. Tributes and memories may shared by clicking on the "Guestbook" Icon.