John J. McGrath Sr., a talented singer, whistler, semi-professional baseball player and hunting dog breeder, passed away on May 21 of natural causes at the age of 89.

Jack (as he was known), who lived most of his life in Center Valley and Emmaus, is survived by his wife, Marjorie J. McGrath (née Pukall, previously Zayaitz) and five children (John Jr., Michael, Deborah, Maureen and Joseph) from his first marriage to Joan M. McGrath (née Finnegan). He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jack initially worked as a mason, a trade he learned from his father.  In 1972, he moved his family to Center Valley, where he spent much of his leisure time hunting small game with the dogs he raised while tending to the house on Kozy Korner Rd. that he had a hand in building.

While working for PennDoT as a bridge foreman, Jack served for many years as president of the local chapter of the AFSCME labor union. He also found time to perform as a singer of American classics and Irish folk songs, as well as the Ave Maria at marriage ceremonies for friends and relatives. In addition, Jack sang for many years in community theater productions. In his 60s, he recorded a solo album titled "Jack McGrath Sings Ireland."

Jack's community service included donations to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Coopersburg and membership in the Allentown chapter of the Knights of Columbus, in which he achieved the 4th order.

Jack met Marge in a grief support group shortly after Joan's death; they married in 2001, living happily in Marge's Emmaus home until moving together in 2022 to Sacred Heart Senior Living in Center Valley.

Jack had many witty sayings: "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice" was one that he strived to follow all of his long life.

R.I.P., Poppy Jack….

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 5050 St. Joseph's Rd., Coopersburg, PA 18036. Viewing will be held prior from 9:00-10:00 AM. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciatively welcomes donations to the Knights of Columbus, St. Vianney Council #14840 (Attn: Joe Flok in Jack's honor). Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., in Emmaus is handling arrangements.