McGrane, William J. (87) 1stSgt USMC (ret) of Orange Park, FL died on 12/20/2016 after battling an illness.  1stSgt McGrane, was the son of the late John P. & Mary F. (nee McGuire) McGrane Sr. of Salem, MA.  1stSgt McGrane, born in Salem, attended St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Salem High. Following a 4 year enlistment in the USN, the 1stSgt joined the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean, Vietnamese and Cold War periods.  He was a Marine's Marine who retired from the USMC after 25 years of service.  He was a life member of the USMC Drill Instructor Assoc., Marine Corps League, VFW, Subic Bay Marines, Associations for the USS Salem CA-139 and USS Saipan CVL-48, the DAV and Knights of Columbus. 1stSgt McGrane, a long time resident of Orange Park, was a loyal parishioner of Saint Luke's Catholic Church, and an active member of the YMCA.  He also participated in many MCL activities and enjoyed collecting/distributing bicycles for the Toys for Tots program. He is preceded in death by Mary E. (nee McNerney) McGrane, his lovely, devoted wife of 32 years, several brothers and sisters.  He is survived by his five children and their spouses, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, an amazing group of brothers-in-arms and friends.

Visiting hours for William will take place on Monday January 2, 2017 from 4 to 8PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (Corner of North St.) Salem, MA 01970. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 15 Hawthorne Blvd, Salem, MA 01970 on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 10AM.  Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem, MA. In lieu of flowers kindly make a donation in the 1stSgt's name to either the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society attn:  Development 875 N. Randolph Street, Suite 225 Arlington, VA  22203 or the National Museum of the Marine Corps at:  Marineheritage.org | 800-397-7585.  Semper Fi and God Bless America.