William John Mcgrath

William (Bill) J. McGrath, 95, of Cranston passed away on Monday, May 9, 2016. He was the husband of the late Carolyn (O’Sullivan) McGrath. Born in Providence he was the son of the late William J. and Elizabeth (Pierce) McGrath. Bill McGrath was a veteran of World War II, a Navigator on a B-17 flying in over 31 operational missions for the 379th Bomber Group, 8th AF. A Participant in the Southern France, Northern France, Normandy and Rhineland campaigns. Awards include Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross and the WWII Victory Medal. Bill also served as an Intelligence Officer during the Korean Conflict, he was discharged as a Captain. He worked for the U.S. Department of Treasury for forty years before retiring. He was an active in Toastmasters, enjoyed coaching for CLCF and was instrumental in the progression of high school wrestling and weight lifting in Rhode Island. William is survived by his children William J. McGrath, Jr., Mary Jane Iannucclli and husband George, Nancy Smeed, Michael McGrath, and Col (Ret) Mark McGrath and wife Cristina. Father of the late Patricia McGrath-Haglund and Robert McGrath. He was a grandfather to eight and great grandfather to nine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:30 PM on 16 July at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 864 Pt. Judith Rd., Narragansett. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.