John V McGrath, Sr

McGRATH, John “Jack”, Sr., 92, of Elmwood Park, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. Born in Carlstadt, NJ, Jack, served his country in the US Army where he was a member of the 101st Airborne Division whose exploits were made famous by the book and television mini series “Band of Brothers”. He was awarded the Silver Star as well as the Bronze Star Medal with Clusters for his bravery during World War II.

He served his community as a volunteer fire fighter for over 59 years with the Elmwood Park Fire Co. 2 and then serving as Chief from 1970-1971.

Mr. McGrath was a parishioner of St. Anne’s R.C. Church, Fair Lawn, he was a member of VFW Post 5084 and American Legion Post 147, both of Elmwood Park, the Elmwood Park Volunteer Ambulance Corps,he was a life member & former secretary of Elmwood Park Defender Co. #2, Elmwood Park Exempt Fireman's Ass., former president of Elmwood Park Fireman's Relief Ass., South Bergen & Bergen County Fire Chief's Ass., Inspector of the Year 2004-5 Bergen County Fire Prevention & Protection Ass., former President Bergen County Fireman's Home Ass., NY & NJ Volunteer Fireman's Ass., Bergen-Passaic Exempt Fireman's League, NJ State Exempt Fireman's Ass. and Life member and 5yr member of the registration committee of NJ State Fireman's Ass. After retiring as a truck driver for many years, he began a second career as a Fire Inspector and later the Fire Official for the Borough of Elmwood Park until retiring in 2010, at the age of 90.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Irene (nee Blauvelt) McGrath; two sons, John (Jack) and his wife, Deborah of Basking Ridge and James (Jim) of Seaside Park; four grandchildren, Keri-Anne Larney, Brian McGrath, Kristine McGrath and Carlene Hennicke, as well as six great-grandchildren.

Funeral 8:30 a.m. Saturday from the Patrick J. Conte Funeral Home, Inc., 274 Market St., Elmwood Park. Mass 9:30 a.m. at St. Anne’s R.C. Church, Fair Lawn. Interment George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. Visiting Friday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers the Family requests that donations to Elmwood Park Fire Co. 2, or Elmwood Park Volunteer Ambulance Corps be made in his name.