Eric Magrath, 88, of Columbus, passed away on May 23, 2013 at the Tryon Estates Medical Facility, Columbus.

Eric was born in Easton, PA, on October 29, 1924, and was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Estella Grace (Hunt) Magrath, and his dearly loved wife of 56 years, Lucella C Magrath.

Eric is survived by his son, Eric G. Magrath of Hollis, NH.

From his early Eagle Scout and High School swim team days in New York, he passed through 2-1/2 years of college and graduated Welding Trade School to briefly work as a Red Cross Safety/First Aid/Life Saving instructor.

Entering the Marine Corps in 1943, he began his first 24-1/2 yearcareer, seeing action in WWII, Korea, and finally Vietnam.  When he retired as a CWO-3 in 1968, he launched a second 19 year career as a Logistic Engineer/Supply Support Supervisor at Sikorsky Helicopter in CT.

Finally retiring in 1988 to settle first in Hendersonville, and then Tryon Estates in Columbus, he was the embodiment of an interminable Marine blended with a caring soul, devoting considerable time and effort to the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Association, the Tryon Estates Retirement community, and finally the Rotarians.

In lieu of flowers, Eric requested that donations be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph St. Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203-1767.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 13, at 2 p.m. in the auditorium at Tryon Estates in Columbus, NC.