Larry Lee McGrath
August 20, 1939 ~July 03, 2017
Larry Lee McGrath, 77, of Beach City passed away surrounded by his family on Monday July 3rd at Community Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia. He was born on August 20, 1939 in Glouster, Ohio to Gale L. and Evelyn H. McNally McGrath . The family moved to Winfield and later Strasburg. He was a 1958 graduate of Strasburg Franklin High School. He was employed by the Timken Company for 35 years. In retirement he became a custodian for Fairless Local Schools where he enjoyed watching the children at Beach City Elementary School learn and grow.  Larry married Patsy Jean Carl in 1961 and together they celebrated 56 years of marriage on April 22nd. Larry was a member of Beach City First Lutheran Church, Past Master and member of Cypress Masonic Lodge # 604 in Strasburg, Cypress Chapter of the Eastern Star # 540 and The Tuscarawas County Art Guild. A licensed Ham Radio Operator and member of the AARL, he went by the call letters KE8LF and enjoyed making contacts all over the world. He served as a volunteer docent for the Stark Wilderness Center and was a member of and volunteer for multiple local community organizations. He served as a Beach City Volunteer Fireman and EMT for 26 years, served as a village councilman 12 years and served as mayor of the village 8 years. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Evelyn. He is survived by his wife Patsy. Daughters Carol Anne (Michael) Murphy of Dover and Susan Kay McGrath of Massillon. Three brothers Lyle D. (Nancy) McGrath of New Philadelphia, Louis C. (Jane) McGrath and Leslie T. (Chris) McGrath of Strasburg and a sister Linda S. (John L.) Sigrist of Dundee. Grandchildren Brian and Kevin Murphy of Zoar; and Aaron, Samuel and Benjamin Krichbaum of Massillon. Sister in Law Dorothy (David) Alexander of Dover and numerous nieces, nephews and very dear friends.  A look back on Larry’s life is a reflection of a kind man who loved people and worked to make the world a better place. A service celebrating Larry’s life will be held at First Lutheran Church on Friday July 7th at 11:00 am. Friends may call at Lantzer Funeral Home in Beach City on Thursday July 6th 5-8pm with Masonic services at 4:45.  Burial will follow at South Lawn Cemetery in Beach City.  The family wishes to thank Community Hospice and the Truman House for the wonderful care Larry received. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Community Hospice at 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia or Beach City First Lutheran Church 230 W Main St. Beach City, Ohio.