Patrick F. McGrath, 74, passed away unexpectedly, but surrounded by family, on Monday, February 19th, 2024. Born in Troy, NY on June 1st, 1949, to John H. & Marjorie A. (McNeary) McGrath, Pat moved with his family to Glenns Falls and Saranac Lake, NY and Deal, NJ, before finally settling in New Castle, DE when he was 11 years old. Pat graduated from William Penn High School in 1969 after which he joined the Navy as an aircraft mechanic, Second Class Petty Officer, helping to develop VTOL attack fighter aircraft. He served for 4 years in the Navy before leaving active duty to start his family. Pat joined the Army National Guard in 1980 where he diligently served in the 116th MASH unit until retiring at the rank of Sergeant First Class in 2009.
Always looking to further develop his technical skills, he received his Machinist Certification from Del-Castle Vocational Training School, attended Aviation Mechanical, Hydraulic and Structural Repair School in Memphis, TN, and Grumman A6 Attack Fighter Hydraulic and Flight Control School, in Oceana, VA.
Pat began his career at Amtrak as a machinist in 1992, where he served for several years as the Union President, before retiring in 2015. Pat had a passion for classic cars and street rods and often was seen at local car shows with his prized 1963 Ford Fairlane, “Nasty”. However, nothing was more important to Pat than his family and friends.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents and beloved grandmother, Alice McNeary. Pat is survived by his wife of 34 years, the love of his life, Doreen (Ernsberger) of Wilmington, DE. He is also survived by brother, John (Sharon) of Lewes, DE; sister, Brigid Chalk (Doug) of New Castle, DE; children, Shawn McGrath of Middletown, DE, Naomi McGrath of Camden, DE, Cassandra McGrath of Camden, DE, Lindsay Dearing (Greg) of Hatfield, PA, and Lauren Crowder (Scott Heighton) of Hanover, MD. In addition, Pat is survived by 2 nephews, Thorne Chalk (Laura) of Richmond, VA and Rane Chalk (Kayley) of Centreville, VA; and by 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11am, Saturday March 2nd, 2024, at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, with visitation beginning at 10am. Immediately following the service, interment with military honors and a light luncheon will be hosted at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 1530 Foulk Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803.
In memory of his cherished Goldens, Lucy, Turk, and Maggie, his family asks that you please consider a donation to the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue in Reinholds, PA http://dvgrr.org.
