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Michael McGrath Obituary
Chicagoland Automotive Icon, Michael McGrath, Sr. passes at 75. Chicagoland has lost an automotive icon with the passing of Michael McGrath, Sr. He passed away peacefully in Florida comforted by the love of his wife Kristina and close family. At age 75, McGrath had enjoyed an amazing career as the patriarch of the McGrath Automotive Group. Under his leadership, the group grew to six highly respected and successful dealerships. McGrath started his career in Elgin where he learned the business from his father, the owner of McGrath Buick. In his late twenties Mike struck out on his own with the acquisition of several auto franchises that he marketed together as Heritage Auto Village. These dealerships prospered until McGrath eventually sold them to the Currie Motors Group.
After that, Mike took a brief mid-life sabbatical until he was presented the opportunity to open the first Chicago area Lexus franchise. He and Ronnie Colosimo a close friend and fellow auto dealer partnered on the investment. Under Mike's day to day guidance the dealership grew to be so popular that Lexus agreed to grant McGrath a second Lexus dealership in downtown Chicago. From there, two Acura dealerships, a Honda and a Hyundai dealership followed. In recent years, two of Mike's sons have taken ownership and responsibility for the day-to-day operations of all stores. Led by the principles of honesty and integrity that were foundational in Mike's success, the dealer group continues to thrive and grow.
Mike McGrath and his wife Kristina were always very active in philanthropic activities around the city and at his alma mater, Northern Illinois University. NIU was so moved by their generosity that a hall was named in their honor.
He leaves behind his loving wife Kristina (nee Hanna) McGrath; loving sons Michael, Jr. (Aurelie) McGrath, Kevin (Diane) McGrath, and Ryan (Julianne) McGrath; loving grandchildren Mathew McGrath, Colin McGrath, Ava McGrath, and Eli McGrath; siblings Patricia Dalby, Deborah (the late Ron) Hopkins, Kelly (Ted) Buckley, Gary (Jan) McGrath, James McGrath, and Scott (Vicky) McGrath. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Jeanne (nee Day) McGrath; sister Jane McGrath.
Visitation Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654. Funeral Mass Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654. Free parking for Holy Name Cathedral is available at 14 W. Superior Street (between Dearborn Street and State Street). Please utilize any non- reserved parking space on Lower Level One (LL1) or Lower Level Two (LL2). Interment private River Valley Memorial Gardens, West Dundee, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations to USO of Illinois, www.uso.org, 312-822-6699.
For further information please call 312-421-0936 or www.michalikfuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael McGrath
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
George Keporos
December 2, 2023
God Bless Michael and The Family
Scott and Kathi Williams
December 19, 2022
Kristina, so very sorry and sad to recently read about Mike´s passing, knew him for a long time and always thought that he was a great guy as well as a great car guy who had both wisdom and vision about the business. We shared fond memories of some wonderful adventures on many fabulous Acura trips around the globe with the two of you. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with you and the entire McGrath family during this difficult time.
GEORGE J KEPOROS
December 15, 2022
IM REALLY SORRY TO HEAR MIKE SR PASSED AWAY HIS FATHER AND MY FATHER WERE LINCOLN MERCURY DEALERS AT THE TIME AND I MET MIKE AT THAT TIME WHEN I WAS WORKIMG FOR MY FATHER AT AIRWAT LINCOLN MERCURY IN 1973-1979 . AT THAT TIME MIKE WAS THE PRESIDENT OF LINCOLN MERCURY DEALER ASSOCIATION WHEN I MET MIKE WE WERE ABOUT THE SAME AGE . I BECAME A HONDA DEALER IN 1980 AND RETIRED IN 2006 BUT THROUGHT THE YEARS WE BECAME GOOD FRIENDS I BOUGHT SEVERAL LEXUSES FROM HIM AND USE TO MEET HIM AT THE STORES AND I BECAME FRIENDS OF HIS SON MIKE JR. MIKE BOUGHT MY ACURA STORE BACK IN 1994 IN COUNTRYSIDE AND THEN MOVED IT TO WESTMONT . HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND VERY PROFESSIONAL IN ALL ARE TRANSATIONS EVERY BODY LOVED MIKE IN THE BUSINESS. I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY. I DID NOT KNOW HE HAD PASSED AWAY NOBODY HAD CONTACT ME UNTIL YESTERDAY SOMEBODY HAD MENTION HE PASSED AWAY . I SEND MY PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES AND I LOVE THE GUY HE WAS LIKE A BROTHER TO ME EXPERIENCING THE CAR BUSINESS AND LOVING IT LIKE I DID. REST IN PEACE.
GEORGE J KEPOROS
Jerry Conrad
December 13, 2022
Mike is my third cousin. His mother Jeanne and my grandmother Gladys were both Days from the Jones County area in Iowa. I remember fishing with Mike on the Wapsipinnicon River in Iowa. We were probably 15,years old at that time. Rest In Peace Cousin.
Jim Watts
December 9, 2022
I was honored to call Mike my friend for over 30 years. I treasure the times spent with him Kristina and the family when in Utah and will cherish the memories. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Jim Watts
Ethan Hunt
December 8, 2022
My condolences to the entire McGrath Family during this difficult time.
Suzanna Jayne
December 6, 2022
I was honored to serve the McGraph family while they vacationed in Utah at their beautiful home in Deer Valley. They were the most kind, generous and loving people I have ever worked for. The love that this family has for each other is completely apparent, and I know you are all so heart broken to lose your sweet Mike. Please know my prayers are with you and I am so grateful to have met you all. God be with you all during this heartbreak.
Henry and Margaret Gronowski
December 6, 2022
Our condolences to the McGrath family for your sudden loss; Peace be with Y'alls during this sad time. Mike Sr. was an awesome owner to work for; He was very generous employer and gave us every opportunity and the means to be successful in our craft. I have had the pleasure to work at McGrath Lexus of Westmont in sales and service for many years an I appreciate all that Mike Sr. has done to help me provide for my family. Our family thanks you Michael; Peace be with you Michael and God's blessing your way. Sincerely, Henry and Margaret Gronowski Orland Pk. Il.
David and Betsy
December 6, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Wayne & Diane Wright
December 5, 2022
Kristina....Wayne and I were so sorry to hear of Mike passing! We will always have fond memories of y´all on the many Acura trips we were on with y´all! Mike was such a sweet man. Prayers for you in this season of grief!
Wayne & Diane Wright
FW, Texas
Philip J. Rohde - Acura / Honda Automobiles
December 5, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. He was known and loved by all in the Acura/Honda family.
Dennis Tiliks
December 5, 2022
my deepest condolences go out to the family on the loss of Mike. God"s understanding and God's blessings to the family.
James Stueber
December 4, 2022
So sad to hear. My condolences to Kristina and the whole McGrath family, Mike was my closest friend in High School and was the best man at my wedding.
Our prayers go with you,
James and Evelia Stueber
Tony & Sally Miskiewicz
December 4, 2022
Kristina and the entire McGrath family we are so saddened by the news of Mike´s passing. We have so many fond memories of the Acura years and many trips together. May your memories as well as your family and faith carry you through this very difficult time. Many prayers.
Lorraine Devericks
December 3, 2022
Prayers for Mike Family He meant a lot to me when I was President of the Westmont Chamber He was very big hel in stating the Automotive Westmont Mile which lead a very helpful and appreciated Friendship which is still ho on today There is a very special place for Mike upstairs Made he RIP You might be gone but never forgotten
Gloria Comfort
December 3, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.Aunt Gloria and Family
Ross and Suzie Glickman
December 2, 2022
Our condolences to Kristina and the McGrath family - May all of your special memories of Michael support you during this difficult time.
Craig Falkenthal
December 2, 2022
My condolences to the entire McGrath Family with the passing of your patriarch. Mike was an excellent Automotive Dealer. I always respected him and enjoyed the Lexus trips and meetings that we shared together so long ago. May he rest in peace.
Debbie Kulpa
December 2, 2022
Kristina & McGrath family I am deeply saddened to hear about Mike´s passing. Prayers & Condolences. He was one of a kind & truly one of the greatest and kindest man I have ever had the pleasure to know and work for. May you find peace and comfort knowing all the joy & compassion he enlightened in so many people´s lives.
Debbie Kulpa
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