George Michael McGrath

July 11, 1944 - June 22, 2026

George Michael “Mike” McGrath, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away from heart failure on June 22, 2026, at the age of 81. Mike was born in Salt Lake City to George Thomas McGrath and Carol Hepworth on July 11, 1944. He lost his mother in a tragic car accident at the age of eight, and was raised by LuDean, who became a devoted mother to him. In the Spring of 1962, a fortuitous encounter involving a stolen car and a joyride on State Street led to Mike meeting Gloria Bernhisel. He baptized her into the LDS church before serving a mission in the British Isles. Gloria faithfully waited for Mike to return and they married in the Salt Lake Temple on October 13, 1965. Throughout their sixty-one years together, Mike remained a loyal and steadfast companion to Gloria. They built a life centered on faith, family, and love as they welcomed 4 children, 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and navigated life’s many challenges and joys side by side.

Following his missionary service, Mike served in the United States Army for six years. He was a third-generation partner at Star Foundry and Machine, where he taught us by example the importance of hard work and a strong work ethic.

Mike had four main loves in his life: God, Gloria, his family, and his beloved Labrador retriever. He demonstrated an unfailing commitment to his testimony of Jesus Christ, serving in numerous callings including scouting, bishoprics, high council, and as a Salt Lake Temple worker for 18 years. Mike loved reading, history (especially World War II), basketball and spectator sports, fishing, and spending time at the family cabin; however, his favorite pastime was duck hunting with his cherished hunting dog, Pick. Mike was our biggest supporter and coach through countless sporting events, activities, births, adoptions, weddings, birthdays, trials, and triumphs. He was a wonderful listener and our trusted confidant. Mike was always a “gentle giant,” but the introduction of grandchildren ushered in a particular tenderness and he began to more freely verbalize his feelings to his children and grandchildren. He loved each of his grandchildren dearly, and they will miss their treasured “Poppy.”

Mike is survived by his wife, Gloria; children, Shaunna, Monica (Greg), Kelly, Patrick (Jodi); 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, David (JoAnn), and sister, Diane. He was preceded in death by his father (George), mothers (Carol & LuDean), sister (Julie), and brother (Tom).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery (3115 East 7800 South) in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. before the services. Interment will follow at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery.

According to Mike’s wishes, donations to Autism Speaks or ONH Awareness (Optic Nerve Hypoplasia) Foundations would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Dr. Stephen Aslami for his loving service and care to Mike.