Robert P. McGrath (1941-2024)
Robert P. McGrath passed peacefully at his home on January 5, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on October 4, 1941 in Somerville, MA to Gertrude and Robert T. McGrath, his childhood was spent growing up in both Essex and Melrose, MA. He created many wonderful memories which, later in life, grew into fantastic stories he loved to share with his family.
He graduated from Melrose High School in 1959 then proudly joined the US Army where he served his country at Moose Creek Nike Site in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Upon his return from the service, he pursued education at Wentworth Institute in Boston and later went on to run his own company, Crabtree McGrath Associates as a kitchen designer.
Bob met the love of his life, Charla Wilson, after a hockey game he played that she attended. He asked her to marry him on the third date, and that was the beginning of a long and happy life together.
Bob and Charla worked hard to create a beautiful life together in their home in Beverly.
They had two children, Karen and Bob, who were their pride and joy. Their granddaughter, Emily Hope McGrath, had him wrapped around her little finger since the day she was born, and who he proudly supported as she joined the US Air Force this year.
Bob was always a generous person who demonstrated compassion and kindness to all the people he met, always eager to help the next person with anything from snow blowing, lawn mowing, carrying groceries or just offering out a helping hand or empathetic ear. He was a lover of animals, both domestic and back yard visitors, creating birdhouses and feeders for his back yard, where he loved to spend time watching nature with Charla.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Charla McGrath, daughter Karen McGrath and her partner Angela Swift, son Robert McGrath and his wife Pam McGrath, granddaughter Emily Hope McGrath, and sister Joanne Ferrairo, as well as his “grand animals” who he spoiled and loved with all his heart.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Donations may be made in his honor to:
Care Dimensions Hospice
75 Sylvan St.
Danvers, MA 01923
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We will always remember Bob as a kind and gentle man who welcomed everyone with open arms💞 Thankful he was part of our family at the Oaks😢 Sending love and hugs for our dear Charla💕
My heart goes out to you, Charla, and your family. You and Bob had one of the most amazing marriages I have ever witnessed, very much like my own mom and dads..
May you always cherish the wonderful memories that you shared and know he is in God‘s hands… With much love, Arden 💜
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. May you gain strength and peace as you embrace the wonderful memories you have shared.
This morning as I looked out my front door looking at the high tide on the street I saw Charla and her daughter and her life partner and their dog looking at the tide on the street like they always do and and for a forgotten moment I was looking for Bob to see where he was but then reality hit. Always helping Joe when he saw that he needed help out in the yard. The laughs we would have when they stopped to talk when they started their walks. Me and Joe will miss you so much. Our deepest condolences to you Charla and your lovely family. We love you.