Francis J. " Butch" McGrath, 64, of Phillipsburg, died Wednesday, February 24, 2010 in Warren Hospital, Phillipsburg, NJ.

Born April 17, 1945 in Dover, NJ, he was the youngest son of the late Francis J. Sr., and Anna Celeste Hart McGrath.

He was a self-employed contractor in the Phillipsburg area.

Butch was truly proud of his Irish heritage. He was a avid vegetable gardner, hunter and fisherman. Lifelong "Eagles" football fan. He lived a happy life on his own terms, being very strong in his opinions and his beliefs. Always honest and straight-forward, he was first to "say it like it is" whether you agreed or not.

He was of the Catholic faith.

Butch was an Air Force veteran.

Survivors include his partner in life for 35 years, Patricia Frankenfield; a son, Francis P. of Manheim, PA; a step-daughter, Shannon Holburn of Bale, NC; a brother, James McGrath of Kenvil, NJ; six sisters, Marie Gigiliotti, of Ashburn, VA, Eileen Hipwell, Mt. Arlington, NJ, Joan Williams, Punta Gorda, FL, Patricia Taylor, Pinehurst, NC, Phyllis Flicker, Bridgeville, DE and Lisa Shishilla of Andover, NJ; and most especially remembered are his beloved Bassets, Maxwell & SueEllen. He was pre-deceased by two brothers, Thomas and Jackie and a sister, Carol Taylor.

Services will be private. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Dover, NJ.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 South Main Street, Phillipsburg, NJ. Online condolences may be submitted by visiting www.noto-wynkoop.com.