Paul Robert McGrath

Paul Robert McGrath, 87, of West Palm Beach, FL, passed away peacefully after suffering a stroke on June 26th. He was raised in Alton Bay, N.H. with his parents Anna G. (Spence) and Francis J. McGrath, who were proprietors of a General Store and Restaurant/Bake Shop, and his 5 siblings. He Graduated from the University of New Hampshire with honors and a BA Degree and was enrolled in the U.S. Army (ROTC) program in 1956. Paul served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas as Second Lieutenant in 1957. He served as Duty Instructor in Anti-Aircraft Nike Ajax Missile System and head of an instruction team until his active duty service was completed in February, 1959. As an active Army Reserve Officer, he was called up to serve with the National Guard’s Yankee Division as officer in the 105 self- propelled howitzer unit in preparedness for the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

Paul worked for seven years for the Federal Housing Authority, Department of HUD until 1973. Subsequently he worked in the Real Estate Industry for many years as a Multi-Family Housing Finance Specialist for the John M. Corcoran Company in Milton, Massachusetts until 1996. He also served on the Advisory Board for Caritas Communities, a non-profit organization specializing in providing safe, clean, affordable lodging homes for the working poor in the Boston area. In 1997 he started his own business, McGrath Associates, and worked as a Certified Appraiser/Multi-Family Housing Specialist until 2011 when he Retired.

While building a successful career Paul always made time for activities and fun with his many nephews and nieces, taking them skiing, boating, mountain climbing, roughhousing and doing one more push-up than any of his strongest nephews. Paul loved being an Uncle, loved life, and giving to others. His long list of attributes included high values, perseverance, patience, kindness, religion, humility and fun.

Paul is survived by his wife Gail A. Penniman McGrath, of WPB, FL, his sisters Ann V. Jordan of Laconia, N.H., and Patricia D. Nelson of Westboro, MA. He leaves many loving and supportive nieces and nephews, in whose lives he played pivotal roles as they grew up, especially Lisa Beth Smith of Upont, MA. who was with Gail at Paul’s bedside throughout his week in VA Hospice care. Paul was loved and admired by all who knew him. He is preceded by his brothers Peter and David and his sister Margaret Peters.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held in Florida and Massachusetts at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Paul McGrath Memorial Fund, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 211th Trinity Place, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401. or a charity of your choice.