David died Sept. 26, 2013, at his winter home in Palm City, Fla. He was 86.
His 39-year career at McGraw-Hill included 15 years as publisher of the Engineering News Record. He also developed a joint publishing venture with the Chinese government that helped to open China’s business for American construction firms.
David came to Princeton from Englewood, N.J., in the summer of 1944, but soon enlisted for active Navy duty in the Pacific, returning in the fall of 1946. He roomed in his last two years with Paul Volcker ’49 and Bill Dippel ’50. He was a member of Dial Lodge, active in intramural sports, and graduated in 1949 with honors in psychology.
David married Marjorie Lovett in 1950. They raised five children: Anne McGrath, David McGrath IV, Kathleen Morris, Laura Hardin, and Patricia Morris. They have nine grandchildren. After David’s retirement in 1988, the McGraths became enthusiastic skiers at Snowmass, Colo., and also played tennis and golf at Hobe Sound, Fla.
David wrote in the 50th-reunion book (of which he was publisher): “My four years at Princeton [opened] my eyes to the cultural wonders of the world and the power of the English language. Family is more important than anything else in life, and good health is a blessing …”