Obituaries

Michael J. McGrath of Quincy, formerly of Charlestown, Dorchester, Columbus, Ohio and Ennistymon, County Clare, Ireland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday March 6, 2016 at the age of 77. He was the beloved husband of Ann M. (O’Donnell) with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Devoted and loving father of Michael T. and his wife Sylvia of Quincy, John P. of Quincy, Mary E. of Holbrook, Kevin F. and his wife Helen of Weymouth, and Brian J. and his wife Heather of Bridgewater. Doting “Pa” to seven grandchildren; Bryanna of Charlestown, Katie of Weymouth, Kevin, Lindsey and Brendan of Weymouth, Ava of Holbrook and London of Bridgewater, and great-grandchild, Jordan of Charlestown. He is also survived by his step-sister, Joan Ball of England. Mike was also beloved by many relatives in Ohio, Texas, Ireland, England and Canada; and many, many friends near and far.  Mike was raised in Ennistymon, County Clare, Ireland where he enjoyed his passion of traditional Irish music, Irish hurling and football. Additionally, he was the goalie for the County Clare Minor Football Team in the 1950’s. He moved from Ireland to the United States in 1957, and soon after settled in Massachusetts. While raising his family, he enjoyed his employment of 35 years as a forklift operator with the Jordan Marsh Company Warehouse in Squantum, during which he was a member of the Teamsters Local 82. Later in his work life, Mike was employed in security services, where he earned his nickname “the Chief”, which would stay with him for the remainder of his life. He remained a lifelong and faithful fan of the County Clare hurling and football teams. Mike also played these sports with various local Boston teams after he arrived in Massachusetts. Mike was also a longtime member of the St. Peter’s Irish Club in Dorchester, where he and his wife enjoyed the Saturday evening Irish dances.

Funeral from Dennis Sweeney Funeral Homes, 74 Elm Street, Quincy, MA on Friday March 11th at 9:00 am followed by a Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, 44 School Street, Quincy, MA at 10:00 am. Services will conclude with interment at New Calvary Cemetery, Boston. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday March 10th from 4:00-8:00pm.