William J. McGrath Jr.

September 4, 1939 - January 1, 2025

William J. McGrath Jr. of Medford, MA, passed on January 1, 2025 surrounded by immediate family. Affectionately known by his family as "Bud", he was a lifelong Medford resident who beloved all things Irish, most of all his late wife, Bridget "Tess" McGrath nee O Sullivan.

He was the son of the late Williams J. McGrath, Sr. of Knockanore, Co. Waterford and Nora McGrath nee Crowley of Gortnaglogh, Co. Kerry.

He was a loving father to Claire McGrath of Malden; beloved brother of Maureen Tardelli (husband John) of Medford and the late Eileen McGrath of Springfield; and cherished Brother in Law to Patricia Sweet of England and Marié O Sullivan of Ireland. Uncle Bud was adored by his many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

He was a generous and caring human being with a panache for collecting and curating the most interesting of items. Over the years, he was the giver of yard unicorns and other unique gifts. He was a connoisseur of fresh bread and had a crazy knack for finding the most unique cards for all types of occassions.

He was a jokester, who loved pulling a prank and it was rare you could pull one over on him. He was a pocket historian of all things Medford and Boston, albeit sports, politics, or landmarks. He drove a cab to put himself through college, and knew every shortcut and backroad possible and was often known to whisk out of town visitors off for a whistle stop tour.

As a 1957 graduate of Medford High School, and a proud graduate of Tufts University he was a gifted athlete having played 4 years of soccer and basketball (Captain '60-'61) at Tufts. He was drafted into the US Army while attending Tufts and served in Germany during the Vietnam War. It was during this time, while on leave and visiting family in Ireland, he met the love of his life Bridget O Sullivan. Upon discharge from the service, he returned to Tufts University to complete his degree.

A lifelong insurance broker, Bill had many loyal clients who entrusted their security to McGrath Insurance Company.

Bill was an incorrigible golfer and thoroughly enjoyed his time with many friends made through his memberships in the Malden Irish American, Melrose Fish & Game, The Melrose Elks, The American Legion Post 45, and Mount Hood Golf Club. He looked forward to his golf adventures from the early days of the New Year's Day Beefstew Cup on Cape Cod, to playing various courses in Ireland, and his annual trips driving to Myrtle Beach with his golf buddies. He maintained friendships for over a half century with the likes of McGilly and Dick. Fellas, in his immortal words: Don't forget your umbrellas! He and Billy will be waiting for you at the 19th hole.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caring medical teams at Atrius Health of Medford, Mount Auburn Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess for their professionalism and kindness.

Calling hours will be held at the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville, on Friday, January 17th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A service will be held in the funeral home at 12:30PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Friends of Medford Basketball 40 Daniels St. Medford, MA 02155 or to The Yawkey Foundation's Youth & Amateur Athletics Support Program 990 Washington Street, Suite 315 Dedham, MA 02026.