Obituary of James ‘Allen’ McGrath

McGrath, James ‘Allen’ The death of Allen McGrath, husband of Phyllis (Brown) McGrath, occurred on January 22, 2008 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Chatham, NB, he was the son of the late Joseph and Viola (Powers) McGrath. He was a Plumber & Piperfitter by trade having worked with Saint John Ship Building Ltd. and various other local firms over the years. He was a member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #213, a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Adanac Club, and the Main Brace. He was an accomplished musician and belonged to the local Musician’s Union. He enjoyed baseball and played slow-pitch with Moore’s 34s. He loved his summer cottage and the outdoors. Besides his wife he is survived by his son Paul (Patsy), daughters; Sharon (Mike LeBlanc), Susan (Jason Thornton), all of Saint John, brothers; Joseph (Edith), Walter, Lloyd (Joan), Wayne (Ilsa), Keith, Marve (Clarice), Brian (Pearl), Blair (Karen), sisters; Margaret (Robert) Ferguson, Shirley (David) Meier, Ann (Roger) Goguen, Helen Connors, his grandchildren; Melinda, Vanessa (Jason Smith), Michael and Megan McGrath, Ethan LeBlanc, and twins Xavier and Alexander Thornton, great-grandson Aiden Smith and several cousins, nieces and nephews. His step-mother Catherine McGrath predeceased him. Resting at Brenans Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row (634-7424), with visiting on Wednesday and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 am from St. Rose of Lima Church. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Remembrances made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.