Robert A. "Bob" McGrath

Robert Allen McGrath (Bob), a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected member of the Joliet and Shorewood communities, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born on January 17, 1940, at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Bob was a proud graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, Class of 1957. He went on to attend St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and later graduated from Lewis College with a degree in Business.

Bob began his career as a carhop at Ace Drive-In before embarking on a lifelong journey in the banking industry. He started at First National Bank of Lockport, later opening Heritage Bank in Crest Hill, rising through the ranks to eventually serve as Executive Vice President. Following a series of mergers—Amerifed and then National Bank of Detroit—Bob retired in 1995 after a distinguished career. From there, he launched into a rich second act of his life, enjoying retirement to the fullest.

His dedication to his community extended far beyond his professional life. Bob was keenly involved in local education, serving as Treasurer for Chaney Monge School in Crest Hill, Joliet Public Grade Schools, and the Troy School District. A longtime member of the Joliet Noon Lions Club, Bob was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow and served many years as Treasurer. He also supported the arts through his involvement with the Rialto Square Theatre, winning Volunteer of the Year. Bob was an avid card player - one of the original founders of the Joliet Duplicate Bridge Club and a regular at various Euchre clubs and tournaments.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve from 1963 to 1969.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Raymond M. McGrath and Margaret E. McGrath (née Dean), and siblings William L. McGrath, Raymond D. (wife Sue survives) McGrath, Margaret S. (Robert) Witkowski, and nephews, Shawn McGrath and Alex Witkowski.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Patti (née Cummings); their three children, Thomas (Valerie Jenkins) McGrath, Margaret (David) Marti, and Patrick (Ashley) McGrath; six cherished grandchildren, Kate Marti, Alexis Marti, Hannah Grace Marti, Owen McGrath, Oliver McGrath, and Ramona McGrath; and numerous nieces and nephews. He taught his children and grandchildren the values of honesty, hard work, and the beauty of a sarcastic comment. 

A resident of Shorewood for many years, Bob will be remembered for his sharp mind, kind spirit, keen wit, and unwavering commitment to service.

The family will receive family & friends for a visitation at Blackburn Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road in Joliet, on Friday, November 21, 2025 between the hours of 4 and 7 P.M. Funeral Services will follow on Saturday morning at 9:15 A.M., November 22, 2025, with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:15 A.M., then processing to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL. for a concelebrated Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, the McGrath family request memorials be made to Joliet Area Community Hospice (DBA Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care) 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 - Lightways.org.