Obituaries

Joseph McGrail, age 86, of Taylor, passed away Thursday morning at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Margaret (Trumbo) McGrail. The couple celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on June 3rd.
Born in Scranton on June 4, 1933, he was the son of the late Thomas and Theresa Mulherin McGrail. Joe was a graduate of West Scranton High School, Class of 1952. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning the rank of Cpl. before his Honorable Discharge in 1955.
A career-long electrician, he worked for I.B.E.W. Local 81 and finished the last eight years of career with Local 3 out of New York City. His favorite post-retirement job was delivering candy for his daughter, Mary’s candy shop.
Joe’s motto was Faith and Family. He was a loyal parishioner and faithful, solemn Novena attendee at Saint Ann’s Basilica. Joe loved his family trips to the beach when his children were young, watching his daughter, Kath, play basketball and coaching his sons, Joe and Tom, in baseball.
A die-hard sports fan, he was a lifelong fan of both the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Boston Red Sox. He belonged to the American Legion Post #585 of Duryea. A self-taught Jack of all trades, there wasn’t a problem he couldn’t solve. He made holidays and family functions more enjoyable with his wonderful stories. For all of this, he will never be forgotten.
He is also survived by his loving children, Mary McGrail of Taylor, Kathy Ameika and husband Edward of Duryea, Joseph McGrail, Jr. and wife Kathy of Dickson City and Tom McGrail of Taylor; his sister, Theresa (Tess) O’Malley of Avoca; his step-grandson, Dan Capwell of Dickson City; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas McGrail.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Basilica, West Scranton, with military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard.
Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to church.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects Tuesday between 4:00-7:00 at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.
In lieu of flowers and because of Joe’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter c/o 967 Griffin Pond Rd, South Abington Township, PA 18411. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave an online condolence.