Obituary of David McGrath

David "Dave" McGrath passed away peacefully with his wife Marge at his side on Thursday, September 26 in Palm City, Florida at the age of 86. Dave grew up in Englewood, New Jersey; served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific; and graduated from Princeton University with honors.

Dave had a successful 39-year career at McGraw Hill Publishing Company, rising through the ranks from salesman to Senior Vice President in the Construction Information Group. He was one of the first American business magazine publishers to enter the People's Republic of China, establishing a joint venture with the Chinese in 1979 that helped open the door for trade between China and the American construction industry.

As a young man, Dave met and married the love of his life, Marjorie Lovett. They are the parents of five children, Anne McGrath of Pacific Grove, CA, Patty Morris of Tesuque, NM, Laura Hardin of Chatham, NJ, Kate Morris of Andover, MA and David McGrath IV of Short Hills, NJ. Dave is survived by his wife, children, three sons-in-law, and nine grandchildren.

Dave was a resident of Palm City, Florida and maintained a home in Short Hills, NJ. He was a member at the Short Hills Club, Baltusrol Golf Club, Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club and the Snowmass Club in Colorado.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held on Saturday, October 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Princeton University Class of '48 or memorybridge.org