Allegheny County PA Archives-  Obituaries: McGrath, James F., Jun 2009

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Patti Lang,<patti.lang@verizon.net>, Oct 2009

Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.
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OBITUARIES - PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE - SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2009

McGRATH, James F. "Jim"
	73, retired Allegheny County Police Lieutenant, of Downtown 
Pittsburgh, formerly of Neville Township, died at home on Thursday, 
June 4, 2009. Originally from the Soho  section of Pittsburgh, he 
was predeceased by his mother and father, Daniel and Ellen Gartland 
McGrath, brothers Jack "John" and Michael and two sons, Danny and 
James. Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, 
Fiona (Smith), children Ann and her husband Al Madison of Eagle 
River, AK and Mark of Panama City, FL; grandchildren Shaun, Shannon, 
Mark and Joelle McGrath and great-grandchildren JP and Skyla Madison. 
He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces from Allegheny and 
Butler counties as well as sister-in-law Patty McGrath of Carnegie 
and daughter-in-law Judy McGrath of Beaver. Jim served in the US 
Army and had a distinguished 28-year career with the ACPD. He 
served as president of the county's Police Association and was 
instrumental in establishing many benefits enjoyed by the 
officers to this day. Jim was immediate past-president of the  
Allegheny County Retirees Association and was a previously 
elected member of the Retirement Board of Allegheny County. 
During his 20-year commitment to ACRA, he was ferocious in 
his goals to secure prudent management of the Retirement Fund 
and to gain access for retirees to be recognized members of 
the retirement system. Most recently, Jim served Neville 
Township as a Commissioner for 4 1/2 years. The family wishes 
to acknowledge and thank his nephews Mike and Brian McGrath, 
Dr. Peter Dickinson, Dr. David Lamauro, Harmony Hospice and 
caregivers, Jan, Linda and Jen, who made it possible for him 
to manage his death much like he had his life, with courage, 
Irish wit and a core belief that God, and St. Joseph, were 
with him always. "Give to me the parting glass...good night 
and joy be with you all." Interment private. Memorial Service 
to be held at a future date. Donations, if desired, to St. M
ary of Mercy Red Door Fund, 202 Stanwix St., Pittsburgh, PA 
15222. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. 412-531-4000. 
Please view or add tributes at www.beinhauerfamilyservices.com