John Joseph McGrath, 71, of Newtown, passed away at the Sussex Health Center on September 2, 2014. Born in Saint John, NB, he was a son to the late James and Edith (nee Greer) McGrath. John was an avid gardener and was known for having his yard in immaculate condition all the time. He was a very social person, loved to talk, dance, attend musical events and especially hanging out in the garage with the guys. John was a man of many trades from working in the woods, which he did most of his life, to working on tractors. He loved to joke around and go for drives in the car. John is survived by his special friend Helen; his daughters: Connie (Paul) McDermott, Deborah May and Cheryl (Andrew) Brown; his sons: James McGrath and Ernest (Jessica) McGrath; his grandchildren: Damein, Danielle, Jesse, Amanda, Cory, Amy, Alex, Katelyn, Meghan, Christopher, Keiran, Ryan and Scott; his great-grandchildren: Jacobi, Skyler, Kenny, Avery, Chloe, Alexis, Trenton and Tye; his sister, Marie (Dave) Harlow: his brothers: Orland (Sandra), Matt (Shirley) and Andrew McGrath; as well as many nieces, nephews extended family and friends. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his sisters: Kitty McGrath and Eileen Mills. Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of Sussex Select Community Funeral Home from where visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2014, from 2-4 and 6-8pm. There will be no funeral service as per John’s request. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Donations to Sussex Hospice Society or Sussex Extra Mural would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences are available at www.sussexfh.com.