Obituary of James McGrath

McGrath, James Robert, III, age 58 of Paramus, died on Saturday, August 29, 2009. Born in Staten Island, NY, he lived in Ridgewood prior to moving to Paramus. James was a house manager at Harrison House in Paramus for Buddies of New Jersey, for the last twelve years. Previously, he was a traveling chef with the Grateful Dead, KISS, David Bowie, and other notable rock n' roll artists. He is survived by his loving mother Kathryn L. McGrath of Waldwick, his brother Rick and wife Kathryn G. of Ridgewood, his sister Barbara Gorga and husband Charles K. of Waldwick, his niece Tracy Myack and husband Alex, his niece Kathryn M. Kitrinos and husband Peter, his nephew James D. McGrath and his niece Amy McGrath. Also survived by two great nephews and one great niece. He was predeceased by his father James R. in 1969. Friends may visit the family on Tuesday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Vander Plaat Funeral Home (vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff. Funeral Mass, Wednesday, 1:00 PM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel R.C. Church, 1 Passaic Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Buddies of New Jersey, 149 Hudson Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, would be appreciated.