Robert J. McGrath, 90, of Brick passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune.

Bob was born on October 16, 1926 and grew up in a railroad flat on Bostwick Ave. in the Greenville section of Jersey City with his two younger brothers, Joseph and Patrick. He attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and Saint Michaels High School graduating in 1944.

Following high school, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II, served time In Germany as an MP and was the recipient of three medals.

In 1950, Bob joined the Jersey City Fire Department and progressed through the ranks serving many years as a Battalion Chief. He was a well-respected fireman and leader in the challenging environment in which he worked.

Bob had his priorities in order and retired at age 57 in 1985. Ultimately, his retirement spanned over 32 years- nearly the same length as his career. Following his retirement, he became somewhat of a house husband where he honed his cooking skills and was well known for his meatballs and homemade mac and cheese.
Bob enjoyed reading-especially history, loved trips to the horse track, where his losses never exceeded $20, and rooted for the Mets and the NY Football Giants.

Bob was a Jersey Shore pioneer buying a house in the Lake Riviera section of Brick in 1957 for $5000 and ultimately settled there in 1972.

Bob was pre-deceased by his wife Patricia in 1994 and his youngest daughter Patsy O’Brien in 2016. He is survived by his wife Carol of Forked River; his son Robert P. McGrath and his wife Joan of Brielle; daughter Kelly Trombino and her husband Dennis of Temecula, CA; son Sean McGrath and his wife Alison of Brick; grandchildren Lauren and Cara McGrath, Jim and Jacki Trombino, Katie Patock and Sydney McGrath; Jack O’Brien (residing with Sean and Alison) and Spencer and Grace O’Brien (residing with Kelly and Dennis).

Visitation will be held at O’Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick on Thursday, October 12 from 4 to 8 pm. Bob’s life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass at St Dominic Church, 250 Old Squan Road, Brick on Friday, October 13th at 10:00 a.m. followed by the entombment at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Lakewood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the O’Brien Children Trust, c/o Robert P. McGrath, 946 Birch Drive, Brielle, NJ 08730.