John J. Mcgraw

John J. McGraw, 69, of Wormleysburg, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital. John loved life and fought desperately to survive following a surgical nightmare.

Born on May 22, 1951 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Ralph W. and Jacqueline (Drake) McGraw. John graduated from Augusta Military Academy in Virginia in 1970. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He loved construction – all types of construction. He was self-employed for many years, completing numerous renovations. Later on, he worked for PSI (construction materials testing), and once was sent to New Jersey to inspect plywood for Jon Bon Jovi's roof. He also worked for Hempt Brothers, which lead him to become an inspector for road construction.

Through the years, John and Kathy renovated their own homes (requiring patience from both!). He loved his wife, his kids, and his dogs. His family loved his spaghetti sauce. He enjoyed his friends and a beer at the White Hill Cafe. He adored his grandchildren.

Vacations were often spent in Myrtle Beach where he once ran into Barbara Streisand and James Brolin while on a grocery run. He was nearly speechless.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Katherine (Cope) McGraw; his daughters, Amy Etterman of Lower Allen, and Megan Nichols (Justin) of Laingsburg, MI; grandchildren, Lucas and Lizzy Etterman, Carter and Caitlyn Unger, Simon and Elijah Nichols; and a brother, Kevin McGraw (Julie) of Dillsburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph S. McGraw and a sister, Karen DeStito.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. John’s final resting place will be in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in John’s name to: Arthritis Foundation – Central PA, 400 Market Street, Suite 610, Philadelphia, PA 19106, or American Cancer Society, 1818 Market Street, Suite 2820, Philadelphia, PA 19103.