[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 134 (Thursday, September 17, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING HARRY McGRATH

 Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to Mr. Harry 
P. McGrath, Sr., a Pennsylvanian and a close friend. Harry passed away 
unexpectedly on September 7, 2015.
  Harry devoted his life to his family and to public service and 
advocacy. Following his graduation from Dunmore High School, where he 
was an outstanding student and athlete, and Kutztown University, he 
worked as a Special Agent in the U.S. Secret Service. During the 1980s 
he protected President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H.W. 
Bush, earning commendations for his work in Grenada and the Khyber 
Pass. By the time he left the Secret Service to attend law school, he 
had earned special achievement and performance awards for his 
significant contributions to the agency's efficient operation.
  After graduating cum laude from the Widener University School of Law, 
where he was a member of the Law Review, Harry continued his work in 
public service as a law clerk for Judge William J. Nealon in the U.S. 
District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. He went on to 
become a distinguished lawyer in Northeastern Pennsylvania, admitted to 
practice law by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the Third Circuit Court 
of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of 
Pennsylvania. He was a partner in the law firm of O'Malley, Harris, 
Durkin, and Perry PC and the founder of the McGrath Law Offices in 
Scranton. With his legal expertise, significant experience and sound 
judgement, Harry was an ideal person to serve as the chairman of my 
Judicial Selection for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
  In addition to his work as a lawyer, Harry was also a strong advocate 
for Pennsylvania's children, as the solicitor for more than 30 years 
for the Scranton School District, representing students, parents, 
teachers, and administrators in matters of education and employment. He 
was passionate about his work on behalf of children with learning 
disabilities and other school-aged children in need. He was an early 
and strong supporter of the new Scranton High School Project and a past 
member of the Board of Directors of the Friendship House, an 
organization that provides quality programs and services designated to 
enhance the well-being of children and families in his community.
  As much as public service and advocacy defined his career, politics 
was in Harry's blood. Named after his grandfather, the late Harry P. 
O'Neill, a U.S. Representative in the 1950s, Harry McGrath worked hard 
to elect candidates to public office, candidates in whom he believed. 
He served as Lackawanna County Democratic Party chairman and 
volunteered his time, talent, and energy to countless campaigns 
throughout his life.
  Despite his numerous accomplishment, the most important legacy Harry 
leaves behind is his family. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife 
of 33 years, Joell; their four children, Harry, Bob, Betsey, and Joe; 
his brothers and sisters; all of his nieces and nephews; and his many 
friends. I pray that God will give them strength and that Harry's life 
of family, faith, and service will continue to inspire them in the 
years ahead.

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