John Patrick McGrath died peacefully at Wellspan York Hospital on Friday, March 25, 2022, with his wife, Elaine at his bedside.

He was born on January 31, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio to the late John and Elizabeth McGrath.

At the age of 15, he and his family moved to Garden City, NY. John graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY, and St. John’s University in Queens, NY earning a Bachelor of Science degree. John’s career started in Direct Mail Advertising at Access Systems, Inc. in Farmingdale, NY. In 1988 he started his own mail advertising company, J. McGrath Mailing Services, Inc. in Farmingdale, NY until 2014.

John had a passion for cycling and spent many years riding throughout Suffolk County, NY as a member and leader of the Suffolk Bicycle Riders Association.

He was an avid reader and his love for reading was unmistakable when he designed a home library for his large collection of books which included a rolling library ladder. His library displayed his interest not only in American History but topography as he collected maps of every state.

John had a love for camping and hiking, especially in Vermont. This became a yearly event with him, his family, and extended family for many years. He was always the group coordinator organizing a hike in the mountains, bike rides, and even sightseeing.

Favorite events for him throughout many years of his life were the Indy 500, NASCAR, and the Tour de France. Also known as a great debater, his knowledge, playful sense of humor, and ability to clearly express his points were impressive to those involved.

In 2015, he, his wife Elaine, and daughter Meghan moved from Long Island, New York to Myerstown, Pennsylvania.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Elaine, and by his children, daughter Elizabeth Mismash and her husband Christopher; daughter Meghan; his grandson, 2-year-old Jon Luca, and granddaughter, 5-month-old Helaine, as well as his loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A private family memorial will be held in his honor.

For more information, to order flowers, or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.christmansfuneralhome.com