Obituary of Luke James McGrath

Luke J. McGrath, 63, died Friday, June 22, 2018.  Luke, who recently moved to Charlotte, NC, was a long time resident of Branchburg, NJ.

Luke was born March 3, 1955 in Newark, NJ where he lived until his early twenties surrounded by loving family.

Luke graduated from Jersey City College with a degree in Special Education.  His career was focused on teaching and guiding both children and adults.  Luke began his journey of education at Somerset Hills School in Warren, NJ where he met his wife of 36 years, Sarah.  After earning his Masters in Administration Luke worked in Somerville, NJ.  First as Director of Guidance at the high school, then moving to “Headquarters” to become Director of Special Services where he thrived until his retirement in 2014. 

Luke began his passion of helping others as a counselor at Camp Lymelight enriching the lives of children who need it most. This passion carried him through his career and onto the Board of Directors for Alternatives, Inc.

While few people knew of his love and talent for art, many knew of his love for Black Russians!

There is no love greater than Luke’s love of family.  He is predeceased by his parents, Luke and Catherine McGrath.

Luke is survived by his best friend and wife, Sarah.  His children, Sean McGrath of Rahway, NJ, Kevin and his wife Lauren McGrath of Charlotte, NC, and Conor McGrath of Los Angeles, CA mourn their father’s passing.

Luke is also survived by his sister, Kathy Emery and her children, Matt and Catherine. 

Luke has left behind a multitude of cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 11 from 2-4 and 6-8 at Gallaway and Crane Funeral home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge NJ. His life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 11:00 in the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, 1 Oak Street, Basking Ridge, NJ. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to either Alternatives Inc. by visiting their website at www.alternativesinc.org or The Ironbound Irish at 92 Brill St. Newark,  NJ 07105. For further information please contact Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home at 908-766-0250, or to light an online condolence please visit our website at www.gcfuneralhome.com