McGrath, Robert W. – Fred H. McGrath & Son, Inc.

Robert W. McGrath, lifelong resident of Bronxville, passed away on November 3, 2022. Beloved Husband of 68 years to Barbara “Bumpty” McGrath, loving father of Frederick “Buzz” McGrath, Mary Katherine “Kate” (Trip) Bailey, Robert W. (Holly) McGrath, Jr., Elizabeth “Betsy” (Bill) Finneran and Timothy (Jennifer) McGrath. Devoted Grandfather of Marissa (Ryan) McGovern, Cantey Bailey, Kelsey Bailey, Grant (Alexa) McGrath, Robert (Brooke) Bailey, Kelly (Alex) Levergne, William Finneran, Katherine Finneran, Meredith Finneran, Scott McGrath, Tim McGrath, Caroline McGrath, Sean McGrath and Brendan McGrath, great grandfather of Teagan and Connor McGovern. Bob was born at Lawrence Hospital, Bronxville in 1927 to the late Fred H and Katherine McGrath. He was predeceased by his brothers Fred O. and Jake and his sister Eleanor “Tot” McGrath.

After graduating from Bronxville HS in 1945 as a three-sport athlete, he attended Wesleyan University where he was a proud member of the football team that set a school record with 25 straight wins. He graduated in 1949 and started working for The American Can Company. After the sudden passing of his father in 1954, Bob joined the family business at Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home. This is where Bob made his strongest mark, not only on the Village of Bronxville but the surrounding area, providing a strong, reliable shoulder for families to lean on in their time of need. Bob’s passions were his family and all things Bronxville, especially Bronxville HS Football. For over 25 years Bob helped coach the Varsity Football team leaving an indelible mark on many of his former players who still refer to him as “Coach” when they would call or visit him some 40-50 years after graduating. After coaching, he became a fixture in the end zone of home football games, because that’s where coaches always watch games. For 76 years he continued the tradition his father started in 1943 of hosting the McGrath Football Dinner for the Bronxville football team at the conclusion of each season.

Through his life Bob volunteered his time sitting on various advisory committees within the Village of Bronxville. He was the former Chairman and Treasurer of the Bronxville Republican Club and a former board member of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce. He proudly served as a “Wise Man” for many years in the Bronxville Christmas Pageant. He was a longstanding member of the Bronxville Rotary Club, which established a “Service Above Self” high school scholarship in Bob’s name, awarded annually to a Bronxville senior.

St. Joseph’s Church has been a constant in all of Bob’s 95 years. He was baptized in the church and went on to marry the love of his life, Bumpty there in 1954. He witnessed the baptism and marriage of all five of his children at St. Joseph’s and eventually saw many grandchildren baptized and one granddaughter married from there. Bob was also a founding member of the St. Joseph’s Men’s Club and was an integral part in developing their sports program where he helped coach many of the teams.

In his later years, nothing gave him more pride than spending time with his 14 grandchildren and watching their successes. Family was always first and he and Bumpty instilled that belief everyday through their actions. He leaves a legacy of family, faith and service to the community.

Calling Hours at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, Bronxville between the hours of 2 to 6pm Sunday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Bronxville on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 10:45am.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Jansen Hospice or the Bronxville School Foundation where the “Coach Bob McGrath Fund for Athletics” will be established. Please note this designation when making a donation and they can be done on the Foundation website (The fund appears in the drop-down menu under the question “Where would you like your donation to go?”) or by mailing a check to The Bronxville School Foundation, 177 Pondfield Rd. Bronxville, NY 10708.

Condolences(13)

Jill Randall Shaw says
November 4, 2022 at 1:21 pm

My prayers are with the whole McGrath clan. He was such a kind and caring man. A fixture from my growing up and beyond. He is truly a role model to us all.
Christopher Tiernan says
November 4, 2022 at 4:26 pm

A very decent man and steadfast champion of Bronxville Football. He was always kind to and of supportive of players. The McGrath Dinner was always a stellar event. His legacy will endure.
Chris Pelle says
November 4, 2022 at 6:15 pm

Our hearts go out to the he McGrath family. We are friends with Rob and Holly in Naples and have enjoyed the family stories they tell. Very special friends , a very special family.
Terry Rohan Keebaugh says
November 4, 2022 at 7:32 pm

To the entire family, my fondest memories are of growing up with your family both in Bronxville and in Cape Cod. Mr McGrath was such a special person who always had a kind word and a kinder smile. I am so sorry for your loss but I Know that he is in heaven. I love and miss you all.
Pam & Chris McHugh says
November 5, 2022 at 7:03 am

Sending love and prayers to all the McGraths. Mr McGrath was a beloved patriarch to an amazing family. We have many wonderful memories from Cape Cod to Bronxville. He will be missed by all.
Pixie and Alan Lang says
November 5, 2022 at 11:29 am

Our thoughts are with all the McGrath’s.
Florence & George Kooluris says
November 5, 2022 at 1:05 pm

Tim, George and I want to send our sincere condoles to the entire family, especially Mom. The Village has lost a “Great Cornerstone”…with the “warm smile”. Tim, thank God we have you to follow…Look up to the sky He’ll always be there for you.
Joan spillane says
November 5, 2022 at 7:39 pm

With our sympathy and prayers- Mickey and Joan Spillane
Helen Mary Murphy-Hannigan says
November 6, 2022 at 12:36 am

I remember him, he was at the funeral home I was 20 years old when my dad died. My family always used your funeral home unfortunately, we were there often. Your whole family has always been very kind and accommodating. He sounded like he was an awesome person outside of the funeral home. I did not know all about his community involvement. All I know is my parents always said that is the funeral home that we use. And again everybody has always been so kind and accommodating.
Edna and Jim Heaphy says
November 6, 2022 at 4:33 pm

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the members of the McGrath family. Bob was the living embodiment of a life dedicated to service before self to all who had the privilege of knowing him. We will miss you dearly Bob. Please keep a place for us at your heavenly table until we meet again.
Belinda Grundvig Rosen says
November 8, 2022 at 8:14 am

Our thoughts are with the whole McGrath Family.
He was an icon during my Bronxville days!
He always remembered my Family !

“May his memory be a blessing to all”
Belinda Grundvig and Family
Jeanne Cahill Manganaro says
November 21, 2022 at 10:55 pm

Our deepest sympathy to all of the McGrath Family. He was a lovely man and of great comfort to all of our family during some very sad and difficult times. Always a gentleman and he had a wonderful ability to welcome you like family.

Tim and all of your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Noel Desmond says
November 24, 2022 at 10:54 am

So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. A true gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Noel Desmond (former Sexton of Christ Church, Bronxville.)

McGrath, Robert W. March 19, 1927 - November 3, 2022

Condolences(13)

Jill Randall Shaw says

Christopher Tiernan says

Chris Pelle says

Terry Rohan Keebaugh says

Pam & Chris McHugh says

Pixie and Alan Lang says

Florence & George Kooluris says

Joan spillane says

Helen Mary Murphy-Hannigan says

Edna and Jim Heaphy says

Belinda Grundvig Rosen says

Jeanne Cahill Manganaro says

Noel Desmond says

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