FRANCIS “FRANK” MCGRATH

04/23/1940 - 03/19/2023

Francis Patrick McGrath, 82, of Taylor Lake Village, peacefully departed this world on March 19th, 2023. “Frank,” as he was best known to his friends and family, was born April 23rd, 1940, and grew up on Long Island, NY.

Frank, the most loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Maureen; daughters, Margaret, Eileen, and Laura; grandchildren, Katie, Sarah, Lauren, Ian, and Elizabeth; his brother Thomas and sisters Maureen and Kathleen.

A graduate of C.W. Post College and post-graduate of USF, a volunteer firefighter, and a proud veteran, Frank served his country in the U.S. Seventh Army Division from 1964-66. While serving overseas, Frank courted, and (very soon after his service), married the love of his life Maureen with whom he shared 55 blissful years.

Frank worked at Shell Oil Company for 30 years and gained many friends across his career which took him to New Jersey, Mobile, Southern California, and Houston, where he retired in 1997. Frank continued to volunteer, mentor, and dedicate time to helping others through the Executive Service Corps, receiving national recognition for his many contributions. Frank also served his community as part of the City Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission of Taylor Lake Village.

Frank had the natural charisma and personality to make friends everywhere he went. A man of many stories, he loved to share the wild tales of his life – ever with a twinkle in his eye and a laugh that was infectious to everyone around him.

A true renaissance man, Frank had an avid thirst for knowledge and was a brilliant executive, artist, adventurer, gourmet, and tinkerer. An inspired metal sculptor, he amassed a large body of work that brightened his home and that of friends and family. An avid sailor, he built a sailboat as a teen which began a lifelong love of the open sea – ever the captain of any seaworthy craft, always with an eye out his windows at Taylor Lake. Frank loved travel and adventure and spoke multiple languages. He and Maureen joyfully spent their retirement traveling the globe and experiencing exotic places.

Perhaps Frank’s greatest joy was his grandchildren. Proudly known as “Papa,” he delighted in being a friend and role model, passing along his wisdom, imparting his many passions and talents, and spending every moment with them as possible.

Frank was an extraordinary and unique man whose impact was felt by all who knew him. A selfless and kind man, his passing leaves an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones. His ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love will be forever engrained in all he knew.

A proud, life-long Catholic, Frank remained committed to his faith with charitable and estimable acts throughout his life. He continued this generosity by donating his body to UTMB Galveston.

A memorial mass will take place on Friday, March 24th at 10 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church at 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Salvation Army of Greater Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center.