Michael Bradley McGraw

Brigadier General Michael Bradley McGraw, age 79 of Concord, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2008 at Rivercrest long-term-care facility in Concord. He was the husband of Catherine Goodell McGraw.

Born in the Philippine Islands on August 21, 1929, he was the son of Colonel James E. and Helen McGraw.

After growing up in Atlantic City, New Jersey, he graduated from Lafayette College in 1951, where he was active in the ROTC. While serving in the Army reserve, he was called into active service during the Korean War and then again during the Berlin crisis in 1961. In 1969 Mr. McGraw graduated from SUNY Albany, with a MBA. He also attended the Army and Navy War Colleges, specializing in logistics, and earned the rank of brigadier general toward the end of his career. After spending a number of years with consulting firms, he worked for the MWRA to help clean up Boston Harbor.

He married Catherine in 1951 and moved with their three children to Concord in 1970. Upon retirement he enjoyed flying, sailing, sports cars and building wooden ship models. He was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church and Concord Rotary.

Besides his wife he is survived by his children: Marcia Bench of Waco, Texas, Michael G. McGraw of Chelmsford and James B. McGraw of Acton. A devoted grandfather, he will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Timothy McGraw, Katherine M.Tracy, Peter McGraw and Theresa McGraw. He was also the brother of the late James McGraw.

Concord's town flag flew at half-staff on Wednesday in recognition of General McGraw's distinguished service to his country in the United States Army.