Larry Earl McGrath's Obituary
Larry Earl McGrath, 87, of Charleston, IL, passed away at 12:58 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2024 at his residence. Larry was born on September 11, 1937, in Champaign, IL, to Homer and N. Marie (Thompson) McGrath. He married Janice R Dilley on June 15, 1957: she preceded him in death in October 1980. On August 24, 1984, he married Melody A (Brown) Pfeiffer in Camargo, IL.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Melody A McGrath, of Charleston, IL; four children, Michael (Michelle) McGrath of Lanesville, IN, Terri (Lynn) Gardner of Charleston, IL, Mark (Brittany) McGrath of Charleston, IL, and Jack D (Lynn) McGrath of Charleston, IL; twelve grandchildren, Shannon (Christopher) Grandige, Colleen (Matt) DiMaro, Lauren McGrath, Allison McGrath, Brooke McGrath, Janni Gardner, Brayden McGrath, Patrick McGrath, Tom (Alexis) McGrath, Ryan McGrath, Jack P McGrath (Andrea Norman), and Meredith McGrath; and four great-grandchildren, Aaliyah Grandige, Veda Grandige, Lily DiMaro, and Liam DiMaro. He was preceded in death by one son, Gregg Pfeiffer; his parents, Homer and N. Marie McGrath; brothers, Kenneth McGrath and Charles McGrath.
Larry grew up in Champaign, IL where he graduated high school. Shortly after graduating, he and his first wife started their family and lived in Urbana, IL. Larry had many part-time jobs in addition to his career as a photo engraver with GR Grubb & Co. In 1981 Larry moved to Charleston, IL where he started a new business, Coles County Sanitation & Recycling, which he owned and operated until his passing.
Larry was an active member of New Hope Worship Center in Charleston, IL. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, Charleston Country Club and EIU Panther Club. Larry enjoyed attending many sporting events at EIU and made many friends over the years. Larry enjoyed boating and camping because this was something he could share with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He coached his children's sporting events when they were younger. Larry also helped with scouting for his sons. Larry was one of the founding organizers for the Charleston Community Thanksgiving Dinner that was started at Otterbein United Methodist Church, an event he was very proud of.
Graveside services will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the New Hope Worship Center Food Pantry, 2175 E. Harrison Ave, Charleston, IL 61920.
To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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