Obituary of Charles T. McGrath, Jr.

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Charles T. “Charley” McGrath, Jr., who left us peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ. Charley was 89 years old at his passing and leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, unforgettable wisdom, and priceless memories that will forever be cherished.

Born on July 1, 1935, to Christina (Becker) and Charles A. McGrath, Charley was their only son raised along side his two sisters in the Vailsburg section of Newark, NJ. A proud 1954 graduate of St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, Charley’s life was marked by an insatiable love for learning, particularly history. He had a deep connection to his hometown, especially the Vailsburg section, and was known for his expertise as a talented cartographer, with many of his maps proudly chronicled in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. His passion for history extended to the Native Americans so much so that he dedicated a room in his home to their culture and proudly displayed artifacts he acquired during his extensive travels in the Southwestern states.

A man of boundless energy and hands-on skill, Charley was a jack of all trades.  He single-handedly built his vacation home in Pennsylvania which, in later years, became the gathering spot for his grandchildren.  Charley was blessed with five daughters and made sure to instill in them a spirit of independence, confidence and the value and importance of education.  He shared with them his love of nature, the outdoors and provided them with a wide variety of pets.  Many a hamster, gerbil and even a dog were lovingly named Charlie in his honor.   

After starting his career with NJ Bell Telephone Co. at the age of 17, Charley worked his way up, all while supporting his growing family and simultaneously attending night and weekend classes at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Upon retirement from NJ Bell, Charley entered his second career as a much sought after consultant in the emerging wireless industry.  Charley was credited with overseeing construction of the first switching center in NYC, a precursor to our present day wireless telecommunications technology. Charley was fondly known as the “man with the white glove”, a reflection of his meticulous nature and dedication to his craft. Despite his many accomplishments and superior intelligence, he was always humble, and never shy about rolling up his sleeves to get the job done.

Charley married his best friend and soulmate, Mary Lou Rocco, on February 17, 1957. Together, they raised their daughters with love, faith, and unwavering devotion. Charley led by example and raised his daughters with the motto, “don’t lie, cheat or steal and you will never have a problem.”  Charley and Mary Lou extensively traveled throughout the United States, Germany, Italy and Spain but Charley’s passion for traveling always brought him back to the Southwest region of the United States. 

Charley’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a devout member of Sacred Heart of Vailsburg  in Newark and, later, a loyal member of St. Cecilia Church in Rockaway, where he and Mary Lou have lived for the past 30 years.

Charley now joins in Heaven his beloved daughter Laura Buro, grandson Thomas Boykow, his parents Christina and Charles, and his sister Barbara McGrath. Although his passing has left a profound void, his memory will live on in the hearts of his beloved wife of 68 years, Mary Lou of Rockaway; his adored daughters, Barbara (Gus) Davino of Randolph, Mary Lou McGrath of Flanders, Diane (George) Boykow of Rockaway, and Christina (George) Raskulinec and his cherished grandchildren, Anthony Buro, Vincent Buro, Jonathan (Andrew) McGrath, Christina (George) Cicak, Diana (Trebor) Ricadela, Gaetano (Rosalee Ellis) Davino, Brittany (Marc) Gogal, Joseph Boykow, Angela Basanese, Pat (Brett) Basanese, Matthew (Sofia) Boykow, Michael Raskulinec, and Maria (Nico Vazquez) Raskulinec; his treasured great-grandchildren, Charlie, Henry, Helena, Augusta, and Gianni; his loving sister, June Leiser; and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join with the family on Friday, April 4th from 2 - 4 pm & 7 - 9 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, April 5th at 12 pm at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 90 Church Street, Rockaway, NJ. Burial will follow at St. Cecilia Cemetery in Rockaway.

Charley’s life was one of quiet strength, fierce love, inspiration, and deep commitment to his family and community. In addition to the unforgettable memories held by his family, we invite those who knew Charley to share their favorite stories, memories, or words of tribute on normandean.com. Charley touched the lives of many, and we believe his legacy is best honored through the stories and experiences of all who were fortunate enough to know him; let his light shine bright for eternity. We will treasure the memories and Charley forever.