Charles V. McGrath, affectionately known as “Joe Cool” to his friends and family, 81, of Worcester, died peacefully on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at the Ichabod Washburn Hospice House.
He joins his wife of 56 years, Shirley J. (Johnson) McGrath, the love of his life, who passed in 2008.
He leaves four children, Charles V. McGrath Jr. and his wife Nancy of Spencer, Steven L. McGrath of Bensalem, Penn., Susan D’Orazio and her husband Tony of Worcester, and Christine McGrath and her partner Tim Dontigney of Ormond Beach, Fla.; his “adopted son” George Bergin of Westford, eight grandchildren, Kelly Bouchard, Heather McGrath, Sean McGrath, Kristin Lecuyer, Erin DeStratis, Ashley McGrath, Patrick McGrath and Giuliano D’Orazio; and nine great-grandchildren, Mitchell, Brody, Landon, Ray, Ryan, Brandon, Kaylee, Hunter and Kelsey.
He was born in Worcester, son of John and Irene (Casey) McGrath. He graduated from the former Worcester High School of Commerce. He moved to New Hampshire in 1972 and returned to Worcester in 2009.
Charles was an expert in footwear manufacturing. He held management positions at the H.H. Brown Shoe Co. in Worcester and the Frye Boot Co. in Marlborough. He also worked for the former Princess Shoe Co.
After leaving the shoe business, he was an owner for many years of the successful Café Capezio, a restaurant in Portsmouth, N.H.
Charles enjoyed playing golf and other sports. He followed a regular exercise program including swimming. He was a devoted fan of the Red Sox and Patriots. His favorite past time was being with his family.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to “Charlie’s angels”, Sue and Elizabeth, of Care With A Heart and all of the nurses at The Washburn House. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Holy Trinity Ichabod Washburn House, 1183 Main St., Worcester, MA 01603.
There will be calling hours Wednesday, April 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will be Thursday, April 12 at 10 a.m. in St. Christopher’s Church, 950 West Boylston St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.