January 01, 1970
Lawrence Joseph “Lar” McGrath, 59, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends, on May 5, 2021 after a noble three-week battle with complications from COVID-19.
Born in Carnegie, PA on September 6, 1961 to Michael J. and Rita J. (Montgomery) McGrath, Lar is the seventh son of eleven children — Patrick F., Kevin M. (Susan), Timothy D. (Karen), Terrence M. (Colleen), Michael J. (Jennifer), Brian J., Kathleen A. Kashella (Robert A.), Thomas P. (Sharon), Dennis W., and Daniel M. (Denise). Lar attended Mars Area schools, excelling in football, baseball, basketball, and track and appearing in musical productions. He worked primarily in the refractories industry for many years with several of his brothers. He was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh sports teams, especially the Penguins.
Lar met his wife Susan L. (Yoest) while performing at Comtra Theatre, where they were long-time friends before marrying. Father to Tiernan J., Moreen R., and Brendan P. McGrath, Lar was a devoted, loving “hockey dad” who was known for his unshakable faith, kindness, selflessness, devotion, and hard-working spirit.
Lar leaves behind his loving wife, his brothers and sister and their spouses, and many nieces and nephews. He is already deeply missed by his family, his treasured men’s Bible study group, and his community of friends. Friends received Monday 2-8 p.m. at Devlin Funeral Home Inc. 806 Perry Hwy North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Sebastian Church Tuesday 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would please wear a mask, respect social distancing, and stay healthy so that together we may get through this pandemic.
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To the McGrath family. I just recently found out about Larry’s passing, and I wish to extend my condolences and prayers to you all. I’m so sorry Sue. I miss you dearly. Please call me. I lost my dad to covid on mother’s day this year. 724-691-2538
Dearest Susan and McGrath children. I am saddened to hear of your loss
No words can describe grief after the loss of your dear one. As you know I lost my beloved dad when I was a mere 14 years old. But faith and closeness to family sustained me. I am in prayer now for you four as I pray daily for you. Sweet Susan my tears are with you pretty one. Ruth
To the McGrath family. I just recently found out about Larry’s passing, and I wish to extend my condolences for your loss.
Dear McGrath family,
So saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. I knew him in high school and he was truly a wonderful person. I know he had a deep faith and trust he is in the hands of the Father rejoicing in his Savior. God bless.
To the McGrath family:
Like my brother, I have many find memories of times spent with so many of you. I’m so sorry that you have lost Larry, but he is most assuredly with your mom and dad in Heaven, sharing stories and jokes, and watching over the rest of you. You are in my prayers that you may find comfort, strength, and peace through this terrible time.
Dennis, I haven’t talked to you in ages. I’m so sorry to hear about your brother’s passing. I hope your loving memories will help to heal your broken heart.
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Larry being the big brother to Kathy in a protective and loving manner. God bless.
Too soon my friend.
I will always remember the days playing
football with you for the Semi pro team, the North Hills Saints.
My deepest condolences to your family and friends.
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. Sending prayers and hugs to you all. Larry was a fun, kind and caring person. May Gods blessings be with you and may you feel comfort and peace in his love.❤
To the McGrath family — It’s been a very long time, but I still have fond memories of sitting in your parents’ kitchen, or watching Monty Python or Steelers games on TV; adventures at McConnell’s Mill and elsewhere, and a practical joke — or many — tossed in along the way. Larry was a part of all that, and I’m so sorry that he was taken from you far too soon. Still, I know that God has a purpose in calling him, and that your separation is only temporary.
All of you, including Larry and your mom and dad, are in my thoughts and prayers, and I wish you peace.
Dear McGrath Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Thinking about all the fun we had growing up together in the 70’s! Praying that God’s peace and your happy memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Dear McGrath family,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear brother, Larry. I pray that you will be comforted by God’s grace, and that He sends his holy angels to minister to you.
We lost my youngest brother, Jimmy, suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes on November 29, 2016. It is still so hard to believe he is gone. We miss him so very much.
We pray that Jimmy is welcoming Larry up there in heaven. The more you love someone, the harder it is to be without their physical presence.
Prayers that the Lord’s promise of “preparing a special place for you” are the very words that Larry is hearing right now. My heart is broken for your beautiful family. May Larry intercede for each of you in all the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Nancy Bacho Kenny
Dear McGrath Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Thinking about all the fun we had growing up together in the 70’s! Praying that God’s peace and your happy memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Dear McGrath Family,
We knew Lar from St. Richard Church where he was always so kind, patient, and helpful when setting up events. We were always happy to see his friendly smile, and our group appreciated his attentiveness so much. He was a very special person who will be sadly missed. May he rest in God’s peace. With sympathy,
Carole and Ken Keeley
Sue,
I am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love, Carla and Jason Ward
Dear McGrath Family, I was so sorry to hear about Larry’s passing. We had so much fun growing up next door to each other. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dear Sue, Tiernan, Moreen, and Brendan,
Our family is praying for yours and all your extended family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts ache for you.
Dear Sue and family – We’re so sorry for your loss. Larry was a wonderful person. We hope you find peace in your remembrances of the loving husband and father he was. You are in our thoughts. Mike and Dawn Byham
Dear McGrath Family, I was so sorry to hear about Larry’s passing. We had so much fun growing up next door to each other. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dear McGrath Family, I was so sorry to hear about Larry’s passing. We had so much fun growing up next door to each other. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Praying for you and your family. God bless you all
I am so very saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. I went to school with Lar and remember him fondly. He was a wonderful guy and always made me smile as I am sure he did with everyone who knew him. My sincerest condolences and prayers to all the McGrath family.
This is so sad. RIP Larry. May your memory be a blessing. Prayers to the McGrath family.
McGrath Family,
You have our sincere sympathy. So hard to loss a sibling.
Jack Connie Linesville campground Pymatuming
Dear Sue:
I am so incredibly saddened and sorry to hear this news. I didn’t know Lar, but he must’ve been a great guy, being married to you. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry, I miss you big brother! I know you are seeing our Lord Jesus and enjoying Heaven in a joyful, glorious body. I know you are reunited with all our loved ones, there in Heaven, taking in all the splendor and love that God has for you. Yet, I am selfish, Lar; I want to see you again and say, “I love you Larry!”, and to hear you say again with love, “NERD!” I want to see again, you and Sue walking, hand in hand, while the sun is setting at Pymatuning; I told you I was selfish, Lar! Yet, God loves you more than me, so, I guess I’ll share you with Him. Also, Lar, you do not need to worry; all of us will take care of Sue, Tiernan, Moreen and Brendan. I love you, big brother! Enjoy Heaven, say, “Hi!”, to all we love up there; and when I see you again, I expect you to lovingly say to me, “NERD!!!”
I’m so sad …Larry was a great person and one of my first friends…God bless
Praying you find the peace and strength needed at this time. The boys and I are so deeply sorry for this tremendous loss.
Dear Sue, Tiernan, Moreen, and Brendan, may our risen Lord comfort you❤❤❤❤