Joseph M. McGrath Jr., 59, of Holliston, died Thursday, May 8, 2008 at his home with his family after a lengthy, bravely fought battle with cancer. Born in Boston, he was the son of Joseph McGrath Sr. of Natick and the late Helen (Daly) McGrath of Natick. He was the beloved husband to Diane (Colella) McGrath for 29 years.

He was a Vietnam veteran, having served four years in the U.S. Navy. He was also in the Navy reserves for 6 years and had been employed for the past 33 years at the Army Natick Labs. During his career at Natick, his leadership and technical capabilities have been recognized with numerous awards. He was most recently project manager and technical leader of a guided airdrop delivery system that can bring supplies to the soldier on the ground with such precision, that the ground and air personnel are placed in far less vulnerable positions. This program was recently fielded to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was also an avid scuba diver and member and past president of the Metrowest Dive Club. He was the founder of Highland Millwork, one of the largest manufacturers of scuba tank bands. His boundless intelligence and curiosity was admired and served as an inspiration to many.

Besides his father and wife, he is survived by his brother, James McGrath and his wife Maureen of Holliston, a sister, Mary Garry and her husband Peter of Upton, a nephew Joseph McGrath and a niece Anne McGrath of Holliston.

At his request, there will be no funeral service. Arrangements are from the Chesmore Funeral Home.. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com