John M. McGrath
Asleep in Jesus at age 75, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Sunday April 12, 2020. John was born on June 5, 1944 to the late James and Margaret McGrath, of County Tipperary and County Kerry Ireland.
Beloved husband for 50 years to Judy, dear father to Karin (Mike) Wagner, Kim (Dan Powell) McGrath and Kristen (Anthony) Stalter; cherished grandfather to Madelyn and Killian Stalter, dear brother of Margaret Mansfield and Maureen Cameron, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many.
John was a retired Corporate Executive after a fulfilling 35 year career with the airlines. He first worked for TWA and then with American Airlines. He served in the Army National Guard, was a 17 year member of the Crestwood Elks Lodge #2503, and volunteered for the Oasis Tutoring Program, the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA and other various charities and organizations.
John had a great sense of humor and found ways to laugh at just about anything. He was well traveled but found his best moments came from spending time at home with his family, throwing back a few beers, and talking. John was always the willing helper and truly enjoyed simple tasks like driving his daughters to and from the airport, taking his grandchildren to the library, and sitting in the front chairs of Marshall’s and TJ Maxx waiting for his wife to finish shopping.
Contributions in John’s memory are appreciated to The BackStoppers https://backstoppers.org/donate/ and Seasons Hospice Foundation https://seasonsfoundation.org/donate-today/ .
A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care. It is hard to imagine how we would have navigated through this chapter of life without the compassion, care, and support they brought to our family.
I’m really going to miss this great man. Had a lot of fun times with him. He was the best father in law to my son that one could ever wish for. He was loved by so many!! I know my son loved him so much.
Such beautiful memories. Our family is sending love and virtual hugs to you and your family Kristen.
Judy, We just found out from Linda and are in a state of shock. We are so sorry that you have to go through a double grieving of your Mom and now John. We just want you to know that we love you and are prayers are with you. Rose and David
Judy, you know how much you mean to the Southwest group. Gosh we’ve been together for 56 years. We’ve laughed cried all together. John was a part of that group whether he wanted to be or not. As all husbands. A lot of eye rolling. But enjoyed all the drinking too. We loved him as one of us. He was certainly a sweetheart and will certainly remember our long talk at your mom’s funeral. Rest In Peace. She and you are in good hands now. . ❤️
Beautiful words. I want to send our love the entire McGrath family. We love you and send our heart felt condolences. I know Kristen loved her father so much! Such a nice man every time I was in his company! Such a great loss for a fantastic family. I wish I could take your pain away.
I have so many fun memories with Mr. McGrath in the background of my teenage life. He will be so dearly missed. He was like a dear friend in the sense that years could go by without seeing each other and we would pick up right where we left off. I always knew he had an affection for me as I did for him and I am thankful for the roll he played in my life.
I cannot put into words how much this man I lovingly called “dad” because I considered him a huge father figure in my life, will be missed. I will never forget the day when I was about 15 standing in the kitchen and he told Karin, “you look nice today”. I told him “ahhh I wish I had a dad who told me I looked nice”. Without hesitation, he told me I looked nice and continued to do so often from that day forward. There are so many memories that I will always cherish and just want to hear him ask me OVER AND OVER again the second you walk in the door if he could get me something to drink. There will never be anyone else like him and I already miss him with all my heart. Judy, Karin, Kim and Kristen I am here for whatever you need without hesitation. We are family and have been for more than 40 years. Love to you all!
We are so sorry for your loss, Judy. John was a wonderful person from the day I met him until now. Please know that you and your family are always in our thoughts and prayers.
John
Great Guy.
Great sense of humor.
Great friend.
Great lose to us all.
JOHN WAS A GREAT FRIEND /GREAT IRISH MAN /GREAT FAMILY MAN/ GREAT BEVERAGE CONSUMER/GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR /GREAT GREAT GREAT LOSS TO ALL OF THE WORLD/ WITH HEAVY HEART WE ALL SAY GOOD BY AND SAY HI TO BILL(IRWIN ) PHIL AND ALL THE PAST ANGLES? WE WILL MISS YOU WITH BEER AND CHEER ROGER
It was always a pleasure to be in John’s company. He was a great guy and such a gentleman.John you will be missed RIP
I worked with John Mc Grath in Chicago for many years at TWA. He
was a lovely person. My sincere condolences to the family.
Enjoyed working with John in res for years. Great guy. Great sense of humor.
I worked with John at TWA and had many laughs. Sorry for your loss.
Judy, Karen, Kim, Kristen and family, Bob & I are so sorry for your loss. John was such a great person. He will live on in our memories
forever. Love to all of you…..
A true gentleman, friend and great co-worker for many years..thoughts and prayers to Judy and the entire family.
One of my favorite characters from the good old TWA days. Rest in peace old friend.
Judy and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. John was such a fun person to be around and I will always remember all the good times together at the Elks.
Wish I could help ease your pain. You are in my prayers.
Judy and family,
Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We have many fond, fun memories of John through many years. We especially remember his ever-friendly smile. He will be greatly missed. Sending our love.
Sending the McGrath family love and big prayers. Such a good man is such a great loss, but I know the McGraths will take him everywhere they go, for he built a great family.
All my love,
Sarah (Crader) Polanc
I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences. Please know that the entire McGrath family are in my thoughts and prayers! Love and prayers, Maureen Feely Maddock
So sorry for your loss Judy. I remember all the wonderful times we had when we were younger. Always loved you both so much.
Love Sandy Klein Wootten
It is hard to remember after 60 years all the great moments that we shared but to say that I will miss John’s friendship is an understatement. From Christy Park, The Leaf, The Blarney and all the places in between we had good laughs, good food and good drinks. From a half-ass Irishman to the real deal ….may the road rise up
Words can not express the sadness we are feeling at the loss of this wonderful man. Always one of my favorite people to be around. You could not help but enjoy yourself in John’s company with his great laugh, sense of humor and kindness. Judy, Karin, Kim and Kristen you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I had the pleasure of working with John at TWA in Reservations and at Lambert airport. John was a class act. My condolences to Judy and his family.
This social distancing makes it difficult to show how much I care and it is heart breaking. John’s friendship will be missed by so many and am keeping you and the family in my prayers. May God grant you his peace at this time.
When John came to the STL airport I had the privilege and pleasure to work with him. He was always positive, even in the craziest situations. One of his favorite sayings was ” this airport is an amazing place”, and then he would shake his head and chuckle. He was always so sincere and approachable by everyone. When John was working, his presence made the area around him more calm and his common sense approach made everything tolerable. He loved his family and always talked about them in such a peaceful way. John will me missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to know him. I am proud to say I was able to call him a friend.
I knew John when he was working for TWA in St. Louis. He was a great boss and easy to talk to and he will be greatly missed. He spent a lot of time talking to me personally and I will never forget it. He was engaged and funny. Heaven has another angel. RIP
It was such a pleasure working with John at TWA and AA. Always calm, cool and collected. Always a kind word and good humor. Learned alot working with him.
Judy, Karin, Kim, Kristin and families. There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. John was such a wonderful, kind and funny person. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and he will not be forgotten!
Much love,
Once or twice in a person’s life you meet someone and it feels like you’ve been friends forever. You just know they are kind, love their family, appreciate every friendship and simply love life. I was fortunate enough to meet John at an Elk’s function. Immediately he became an instant friend and sponsored me joining the Elk’s. Here’s a guy that simply loved people. You could tell as he looked at Judy and smiled, she was indeed the love of his life. Family was everything. How fortunate that they had over 50 wonderful years together. To the entire MaGrath family thank you for sharing this wonderful man. John will be sincerely missed however, we will all continue to smile when we think about him because we’ll be remembering his wonderful laugh which filled us all with happiness. My friend John, even though you’re going to walk through those gates first, we will all see you again. May God bless you and you’re family during this time of need. Rest in peace my friend.
God bless you as you mourn,I had a lot of respect for Mr. McGrath.
I worked with John at TWA. He was always such a kind and caring man.
John you were a great man and Jimmy and I were both blessed and lucky to call you our Uncle. We will both miss you very much and will never forget you or the great times we shared together as a family. We love you very much and are heartbroken over losing you.
John was a good friend and Elk brother. We will so miss laughing and talking with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy and the family.
The world lost a kind, gentle, happy soul! I have known John since before high school and worked with him at TWA. I NEVER saw him without a smile on his face and I can still hear his laugh. My deepest condolences to you Judy and your family. I pray that your wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace. Much love to you all.
Judy, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of John.
John will be missed by all of us at the lodge. Always had a smile and a kind word. I am lucky to have known him. Very sorry for your loss.
John always had a smile. I had the pleasure of working with him at TWA reservation office and the St Louis airport. He was always so kind. My prayers to you and your family during this time.
Judy – I’m so sorry for your loss. With deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Doug and I worked with John at Twa. What a fun, kind, great guy with a great smile and laugh. I was so very sorry to see this news but I hope you find comfort in knowing how well loved and respected this man was by all who knew him. Deepest sympathy and prayers for healing. Doug and Maureen Roth
To John’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. John was an amazing manager at TWA when I worked in STL. He was very fair, kind, friendly and easy to work for. Definitely the best of the best! God bless him, and his family, sincerely Patsy Allison.
John, was a real gentle soul and his presence will be missed by many. Sorry for your and our loss.
Judy and family, sending our thoughts, prayers, and love. John was one of the best guys ever. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace dear friend. Jennie and Jerry
I had the pleasure of working with John at the TWA Reservation Office in St Louis. Always a smile on his face and such a gentlemen. He truly cared about the people he worked with. He was a great manager. Prayers to the family. May he R.I.P.
I met John during my tenure at St. Louis Res. John was an inspiration to me in so many facets pertaining to my management career. John was easy going, fun loving, moveover always a professional. I always enjoyed the interaction between John and Bob Thomas; they were hilarious. John will be missed by so many. I am honored to have known John, however I understand ’Life’s Cycle ’. In addition, we all most travel this path to see Our Father in Heaven. Until we meet again John ’Rest in Heaven, Sir. In closing, for his family and friends stay prayed up and God will see us through.
I knew and worked with John for most of my 32 years at TWA. He was a true professional and a terrific leader. My sincere condolences to Judy and the family.
Chuck Thibaudeau
I had the pleasure of working with John in St. Louis when I was in passenger sales. He was always so cool under fire and we had our share of fires in those days, great manager and leader of people. Always fun to be around. I will continue to remember him fondly. Prayers to the family and treasure the memories.
My late wife Velma and I worked with John in the Mansion House res office. He always had a smile and a kind word.
My condolences to Judy and the family. I didn’t get to know John until my two years at American Airlines. John
was my immediate supervisor and was a pleasure to work for. We had good times together.
To Judy and family,
Such a great and kind man, our John McGrath. I am so very sorry for your loss.
God bless him, and keep him in His care. See you in Heaven, John!
Love, Linda Huthmaker/Torrance, Ca.
Judy, So sorry to hear this sad news especially with the recent passing of your Mother. Prayers to you and family at this time.
To Judy and family, my deepest sympathy. My thoughts go back to our youth at TWA Res when you were dating, and all the fun we had. I’ll always remember John’s friendly smile. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers to you.
JUDY AND FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. JOHN WAS A KIND AND LOVING GENTELMAN. MAY HE R.I.P.
Judy, I am so sorry to hear about John. Great Guy, enjoyed very much seeing him at the Elks and YMCA.
Dear Judy and Family,
Mike and I are so saddened to hear of John’s passing on Easter from cancer. This has been such a hard year with your lovely mom passing and the isolation due to the virus that we are not able to gather to celebrate John’s life and hug you.
We are glad that you have your family and large group of friends to comfort you. I can see your beautiful smile now and wish you peace.
Love and Sympathy,
Barb & Mike Lock
Lucia worked for John in Reservations and I worked with John at the ATO. I will always remember the Dreamsicle and his phrase “What’s a mother to do” .We carpooled for awhile which made for fun times. I kept in touch over the years and will miss him. Our condolences to Judy and the girls. The world is a sadder place now.
We are so sorry, Judy, for your loss. It was always such fun to talk to and watch you and John at Show Me the Money and other Elks events. His laugh and fun was contagious and will be missed by everyone who knew him. ❤️
I had my first group interview -ever- with John ( and 2 others ). I was 20 something, interviewing for an airport position at TWA’s Hub, and I really wanted it! I walked in, there were 3 men in a semi circle that I faced, not really sure what to expect. It was intimidating…but John was the ‘nice one’ ( actually they all were ) but he immediately smiled at me, he had kind eyes and a calming demeanor and he just put me at ease right away. I went on to work and be a part of the STL ATO for a very long time. And I am truly grateful to him for contributing to that season in my life. Thank you John. * I was sorry to see this on FB, that he had passed, but I too, will see him one day in heaven. No surprise that he was a man of faith, he lived it. And from that very first smile, you just knew he had a quiet, gentle strength. And he went home on Easter, Resurrection Sunday. Wow **
Peace to the family. ** May you feel Gods arms around you in the days ahead ** Prayers for you from Chicago
Sincerely, Peggy Martino
To Judy and family. John was such a great man. I enjoyed working with him st both TWA and AA. He made sure to help his workforce and took such good care of us. Never a dull moment when John was around. May he RIP and to the family, you need to know that he was loved and respected by all whose paths he crossed
Judy, so sorry to hear of your loss. Will keep you both in my prayers. God Bless
Dear Judy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort for you and your family.
Much love, Bobby
Judy, your JOHN was my first and lasting friend when I was the new guy at TWA. His humour & being funny without trying was the best. I learned to love TW & the people who are there. So to say JOHN was my key to loving my job is an understatement. I know you will miss him terribly and I will hold in him close in my memories forever. God Bless you Judy
Bill Matthews
Judy: Our sincere condolences. We both enjoyed John’s presence at so many activities from St. John’s, to Cleveland Fraternity parties, to Trans World Airlines corporate get-togethers, to the Elks Organization and particularly, your Show Me the Money Friday nights. Funny how we walked in so many footprints. John will be missed, but his presence will carry on. God Bless You and the Family.
Judy, our sincerest sympathies go out to you and your girls. John was a good friend and co-worker. From stressful times at work to more fun times having a cold one, John was always a pleasant man to be around. We will miss this very fine man.
Dave and Glory Freeland
loved working around John at TWA Res office. His humor was so calming in stressful times in “the booth” trying to make the numbers look good. Back in his “athletic” days on our championship co-ed softball teams, John could pick and peg hot shots on the infield with the best. going from home to 3rd was somewhat of a challenge for him without gasping :). best part of his game to the team comradery was his fun sideline chatter and after game beer conversations at Sam’s tavern. Good memories of John from both of us. Wish would have seen more of him in recent years- lesson learned – you just never know when it’s the last time seeing someone.
Worked with John many years in St. Louis and Chicago. We had so many laughs even when we were disagreeing! What a good man and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you Judy and family. RIP John.
Judy Dwyer
Judy…i was so saddened to hear of John’s passing. What a bright and shinning light he was to many many people. I felt blessed to know him and honored to call him my friend. God speed John McGrath till we meet again. nellie martin szkutak.
Judy:
So shocked to hear of your loss. When I think of John one word comes to mind, “Wonderful”. What a wonderful wonderful man.
He will be truly missed by so many people. My deepest sympathy.
Jan (Deelo) Brent
Judy and the girls:
So sorry and shocked to hear of your loss. Had many fond memories of John, especially with the S.A.N.D.A.L.S Club.
My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you.
Greg Shoults
Judy,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. John was a great peer, an even better boss and one of my closest friends. He always displayed a great sense of humor and his positive attitude was contagious. John, “May the road rise up to meet you…until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand”. Happy St Patrick’s Day buddy!!!
God bless you and your family, John.
I remember you fondly RIP
Judy Martin
Judy,
So sorry for your loss. John was a great guy who made people happy to be around him. John will be missed.
Tim and Jill Griffard
I remember both of you long ago from the TWA days,in the 60’s. I am so sorry Judy
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. John will always be a large part of my fond TWA memories.
He was a special person and meant so much to so many. May you and the family find comfort
in all the wonderful memories.
Nancy Hatcher McMahon
I only sat and talked with John a few times at the lodge, but from the first introduction he acted as if we had already known each other. And yes he always offered to get a beer. I could tell that he was a good man.
My prayers and condolences to you Judy and your family.
Mr. Mcgrath was always so warm, funny, open minded, and welcoming. I am so blessed to have been a part of this family’s life for so long. I love them all so much! All 5 of them always have this sparkle and joy about them. They are all so interesting to talk to, always so nonjudgemental, just really kind, warm, loving people.. and funny! Kim, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your family! I’m so grateful to know all of you! I love you all!
I’ve just finished reading all of the comments from my Dad’s friends, colleagues, acquaintances and others who briefly knew him. What a life. What a person. What a legacy. As I grieve alongside all of you I am so thankful for the lifetime of influence that cannot be summarized, memorized or contained. For all the words I wish I’d shared, I’ll commit myself to living a better life and to being the best person I’ve been inspired to become. Love and hugs and health to all. RIP John McGrath, RIP to my Dad.
So sorry for your families’ loss Kristen. The thoughts and prayers of your Seasons family are with you all.
Judy:
We still can’t imagine John not being here. You were blessed with a love that some people never find. Judy & John, that’s how we know it. With all our hearts we hope you along with Karin, Kim and Kristen find peace knowing he is safe and without pain. Our thoughts and prayers to the whole family who are blessed to have had a wonderful man and friend in their lives. John was the best, even if you didn’t know him that long, he always made you feel welcome. He will be missed…
Oh Judy. so many wonderful memories with both of you.. I was fortunate to be considered a hang out Pal at Cafe Louie.. after twilight shift at TWA Res. then over to the East Stl.. The Boys didn’t mind this Gal hangin with them.. I remember 1 trip with John, Howard, Tube-Steve, & Me.. we flew to Las..for the weekend & stayed up all night.. We had rented a car and all I remember is all of us pulling up to the side of our hotel and falling asleep.. We almost missed out flight..Love ya.. Tan..