August 26, 2026
REST IN PEACE
Dr. Francis "Frank" J. McGrath passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of faith, education, and service. Frank was born April 25, 1931.
Frank served 15 years as a Roman Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago before earning his Ed.D. from Indiana University. He went on to spend 25 years as a dedicated professor within the City Colleges of Chicago, teaching at Harry S Truman College, City-Wide College, and the Chicago Police Academy. A passionate advocate for an inclusive ministry, Frank co-founded CORPUS and served on the advisory board of CITI Ministries.
Together with his late wife, Mary Elizabeth Adams McGrath, Frank shared a life of warmth and community in Chicago and Holmes Beach, Florida. He will be remembered for his intellect, gentle humor, and unwavering dedication to others.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Maura (Grant) Neuendank, Beth (Grant) Keno, Paul Grant, Francis Grant, and Timothy Grant.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1220 15th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
Frank, a founder of CORPUS, shared the CORPUS' beginnings in the CORPUS REPORTS' FINAL EDITION.
November 1973 at a dinner hosted by Barry Rankin at the Beef Steak Inn on Sheridan Road, Chicago by Jim Wilbur -ordained 56…, Bill Nemmers 57 and myself (Frank McGrath)57 (and wives). Speaker at that dinner was Frank Bonnike who none of the three of us had ever met before. Since we were unknown and Bonnike was well connected we thought of inviting him to join us. Jim Wilbur contacted Bonnike and we met for the first time in Spring of 1974 at the newly married Bonnike home and CORPUS was born. Frank with a military background came up with “reserve” name and idea.
Thus was CORPUS born. Symbolically we picked Dec. 24, 1974, when Holy Door of the Holy Year of Reconciliation began as our birthday. What could be more appropriate that the church reconcile with her married priests.
TO READ THE FULL HISTORY OF CORPUS CLICK BELOW