ATKINSON, NH - John F. McGrath, III, age 72, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Winifred "Wendy" (Dillon) McGrath with whom he shared 50 years of marriage.

He was born on July 17, 1951 in Natick, MA to the late John Jr. and Jean (Merrigan) McGrath. John was a graduate of Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, MA, Class of 1969. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Marine and Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay, Class of 1972. John proudly served his country as a Marine Inspector in the United States Coast Guard. During his career as a Merchant Mariner, John was employed as Chief Engineer. He then worked at various shipyards and eventually retired from Boston Ship Repair. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Anne Parish and the Mass Maritime Alumni Association. John was a former member of the Plaistow, NH Lion's club. He was a long-time parishioner of St. Anne Parish in Hampstead, NH. His first love was family and his two golden retrievers. He was an accomplished artist and computer programmer. And he enjoyed gardening, cooking, skiing, and vacations on the Maine seacoast.

Besides his wife John is survived by daughter Kathryn McGrath of Atkinson, his siblings Barbara Smith and her husband Walter of Rochester, Nancy McGrath of Sandwich, Gary McGrath and his wife Julie of East Falmouth, and Thomas McGrath and his wife Patricia of Whitefield, ME. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was sadly predeceased by his son John F. McGrath IV.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 4pm – 7pm at the Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home 116 Main St. Plaistow, NH. His funeral will begin at the funeral home on Friday at 11:45am. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1pm at St. Anne Parish 26 Emerson Ave., Hampstead, NH. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Anne Parish or to the charity of one's choice.