ELGIN, Ill. – The automotive and heavy-duty aftermarkets are mourning the loss of Mike McGrath, an automotive and heavy-duty industry leader for the past 25 years. McGrath passed away suddenly on Oct. 11, at the age of 54. 
McGrath joined SKF in 1993 and held the position of president of the SKF Vehicle Service Market (VSM), North America Business Unit for the past seven years. He was highly respected and admired by his friends and colleagues throughout SKF and the automotive and heavy-duty industries. Most point to his leadership, generous spirit and gracious personality as traits that will be greatly missed.
McGrath was an active member of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), the Automotive Warehouse Distributor Association (AWDA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Aftermarket Hall of Fame, as well as a regular participant in several other industry associations.
"Mike was a friend and a valued leader of AASA,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “Our prayers go out to his family and all those who are grieving with his loss.”
“We recruited Mike to serve on the AASA Board of Governors because of his knowledge and passion for the automotive aftermarket industry,” added Steve Handschuh, president and chief executive officer of MEMA. “Mike worked closely with us on many important issues and his down-to-earth insights gave clarity to complex topics. He was always very sensitive to the need for the supplier community to keep customers first. Mike will be missed by his many friends and colleagues in the industry.”
In addition to his involvement with AASA, McGrath was an active member of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), also a market segment of MEMA. “Mike was a personal friend for many years and was always ready with a good word to say about everything,” said Tim Kraus, president and chief operating officer of HDMA. “He also was a solid supporter of our association’s activities and initiatives. Mike was a longtime and valued member of our Heavy Duty Business Forum and served on its board of governors. We will all miss his smile, good nature and leadership.”
McGrath is survived by his three children Jenna, Michael and Jaclyn.
Visitation will be 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Cooney Funeral Home, 625 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL. Funeral prayers will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, and Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Paul of the Cross. For information, call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com.
