Joseph McGrath

Joseph McGrath (December 20, 1890 – April 25, 1943) was an American politician who served as acting Mayor of Boston during the tenure of James Michael Curley, Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and Collector of Customs for the Port of Boston.

Early life and career McGrath was born on December 20, 1890, in Boston. He graduated from Dorchester High School. While still in high school, McGrath became involved in local politics. At the age of 25 he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He served four terms in the state legislature. In 1926 he married Doris E. Pearson of Dorchester. Outside politics McGrath worked in real estate. Although he was a political lieutenant of James Michael Curley, he was accepted by other leaders of the Democratic Party because he worked devotedly for the entire ticket. McGrath's impartiality upset Curley because he expected McGrath to use his influence to help him win the 1936 senatorial election.