Robert Charles McGrath of Palm Springs, California, formerly of Scranton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026 in California.

Born February 13, 1946 in Scranton, he was the son of T. Burke McGrath and Clare Harding McGrath. He attended George Washington and St Mary’s of Mt. Carmel grade schools in Dunmore. Bob graduated from Scranton Preparatory School in 1964, where he excelled on the basketball court. He was one of five players to be named to the Scranton Times All Regional Team and was Honorable Mention All State in both his junior and senior years, earning him the nickname “Magic Bob.”

Bob went on to play basketball at the University of Scranton, where he was named team captain in his senior year and was the co-recipient of the Les Dickman Award for most outstanding player, sharing the honor with his teammate and lifelong friend, Charlie Witaconis.

Upon graduating from the University of Scranton in 1968, Bob was inducted into the United States Army, and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Armor, through officer candidate school at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was later promoted to First Lieutenant while serving with the Fifth Mechanized Infantry Division, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. For his service, he received the Bronze Star, the Vietnam Service Award, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal before being honorably discharged in 1971.

Bob went on to earn his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 1974. He then clerked for Judge James J. Walsh, Court of Common Pleas, Scranton and also practiced with the Scranton law firm Rosser, McDonald, Marcus and Foley.

During these years, Bob worked on Bob Casey, Sr.’s campaign for Auditor General in 1972 while in law school, and traveled throughout Pennsylvania as the leader of the Advance Team during the 1978 Casey campaign for governor.

In 1982, Bob moved to Palm Springs to be closer to his beloved aunt, Josephine Owens, and was admitted to the California Bar, where he practiced law until retirement. It was there that he met his best friend and companion of 28 years, Mary Frances Tennant Laier. The Tennant family welcomed Bob as one of their own. In retirement, Bob and Mary Frances travelled extensively with family. He especially enjoyed summers along the McKenzie River in Oregon and making cherished memories with his nieces and nephews at Lake Ariel.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his older brothers, Timothy B. Jr and his wife Denise, and Thomas H. McGrath.

Bob is survived by his nieces and nephews: Christine Bailer (Mark), Patricia Bowa (Larry),Timothy McGrath (Heather), Atty Michael McGrath (Dr Catherine), Sean McGrath, Megan McGrath, Thomas McGrath, thirteen great-nieces and great- nephews and one great-great nephew. To his family, he was patriarch, father figure, trusted advisor and chief prankster, filling countless roles over the years. His family is especially grateful for his guidance and stewardship in preserving the Lake Ariel legacy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 27th at 10am in the Immaculate Conception Church 801 Taylor Ave. Scranton.

Military honors will be rendered at the church immediately following the Mass.

Friends may call Tuesday from 4-7pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton.

Interment, private in St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made in Bob's honor to Honor Flight, an organization whose mission is to transport America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring those who have served and sacrificed for the country.