Raymond W McGrath

Raymond W. McGrath

""Claddie""

Of Joliet, Il passed away peacefully on August 9, 2006, at Provena, St. Joseph's Medical Center with his family by his side.

Raymond was born on April 4, 1918 to Walter and Marie (Bolin) of Joliet. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 infant children, and his wife Vi (Amadio) who celebrated 56 years of marriage.

He is the beloved father of five children, Mary Rasa, Patricia (Tim) Placher, and John, Sarah, and Gia (fiancA�?A�AC.e Mike Knapp) McGrath. Grandfather of Jason, Liz, Brandon, Alan, Amy, and Calvin. He is also survived by one brother Richard (Nancy) of Spring Lake, Michigan, and numerous nieces and nephews, relatives, and long time friends. Also survived by his granddogs, Montana and Henry

Raymond grew up in Joliet and attended St. Patrick's grade school where he built life long friendships with many of his classmates. He also attended De LaSalle Catholic High School class of 1936, Joliet Junior College (basketball State champions class of '38), and attended Illinois Wesleyan on a baseball scholarship.

As a young man he was an avid sportsman playing baseball and basketball for high school and college teams, and a city league baseball team called the Moran-Schlitz Brewers and the Joliet Eagles made up of former Catholic High stars.

Many of his stories included walking back and forth to Farragut field to practice with the teams and later to his hangout called Sprague's corner for a coke. And more walking to see his Papa Dick and grandmother at Mahers flat on Bluff street.

Highlights in his life included being stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco before going overseas to France during World War II, playing one high school football game at Notre Dame Stadium, going to Cooperstown, NY with his college baseball team, marrying his beautiful wife Vi, and his children.

After retiring, he became a volunteer at Silver Cross Hospital where each Wednesday he looked forward to his slice of pie. He was also a starter at Inwood Golf Course where each Tuesday he would ""enforce"" the tee times of the Ladies of the Elks golf league. In his spare time he enjoyed swimming at the Joliet Elks, summer afternoons at Braidwood, and watching Notre Dame football.

He was a devoted man to his family and religion. On good days and bad he would often say ""God has been good to us"".and he was right.

We would like to thank Provena St. Joseph's Medical Center, JACH, and Katie K. from Provena Villa Franciscan for her abundance of kindness and enthusiasm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Joliet Area Community Hospice. Tezak Funeral Home 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL. 815 722-0524 www.tezakfuneralhome.com Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick Church TODAY Friday at 2:00p.m. Raymond will Lie in state at St. Patrick Church from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Inurnment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.