Obituary of Eric E. McGrier

“As I look back over my life, I can definitely say that God is faithful. He is always there for us, even when we don’t see Him or feel Him…. Don’t give up when the wait seems long; continue trusting God.”

-Joyce Meyer

Eric Eugene McGrier of Woolwich, New Jersey, entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 3, 2024, after a valiant fight against cancer.

Born on November 18, 1965, at Einstein-South Medical Hospital in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Eric remained closely connected to his friends from South Philly and cherished spending time with them.

Known by many names including E-man, Triple-OG, and Big E, Eric was admired as a loving and protective father, a supportive and amazing husband, a devoted brother, and a dedicated family member. He was committed to his beloved fraternity and deeply valued his friendships. Eric enjoyed life fully and was renowned for his calm demeanor under pressure.

In his youth, Eric was engaged in his local community, serving as an altar boy, a Boy Scout, and working with North City Congress during his teenage years. He also participated in recreational basketball leagues around South Philadelphia.  Eric was active in his parish communities and served on the pastoral board council at St. John Fisher Church. He was a 2nd-degree Knight of St. Peter Claver and a 2nd-degree Knight of Saint Christopher Columbus.

For his education, Eric attended St. Rita Catholic School and later graduated from Bishop Neuman High School.  He obtained his undergraduate degree from Carlow University and in 2008 Eric earned an Executive MBA from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.  Eric also received post-graduate certificates from the Wharton School of Business and the Chicago Booth School of Business.

Eric began his career in healthcare at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, starting as a clerk and rising through various positions to leadership roles at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Cooper University Health System, Crozer Health System, and Deloitte Consulting. His final job was with Ensemble Health Partners.

Eric met his soulmate, Dawn in the summer of 1987 when they were just 21 and 20 years old. They quickly became inseparable and married in September 1992.  Their love story produced three beautiful daughters: Erica, Erin and Erial.

Eric cherished time with his family, which included countless vacations, coaching the girls’ sports teams, playing games, watching their favorite movies, cooking together, dancing, and most recently participating in their TikTok videos. Known as a the ultimate "Girl Dad," he took immense pride in his role as Father and Husband. Eric was also the backbone of his extended family taking his role as brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin seriously.  He was often sought out for his advice and his no nonsense way of dispensing it.

In the Fall of 2017, Eric achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Inc. Eric was incredibly active in the Norristown Alumni Chapter, holding many roles in the chapter such as Keeper of Records and Vice Polemarch, with the intent of serving as the Polemarch in the 2025-2026 calendar year. Throughout his illness Eric could still be found at all Kappa events and meetings and was a mentor to many of the brothers in the chapter providing guidance and encouragement.

In 2009, Eric started running to improve his health and often ran with running partner Jennifer Lewis at Cooper River Park. He co-founded the Black Men Run in Philadelphia and South Jersey chapters, participating in races, ten milers, half marathons, and marathons. His wife Dawn also got the running bug and began joining him. In 2015 Eric, Dawn, Jennifer, and Karen completed their first marathon together with coach Anita guiding them through their training! Eric maintained strong relationships with his running family.

Eric's fondest memories were running races with Dawn, Erica, Erin and Erial of which his most loved was the Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge, the last one they completed together was in November 2022.  Dawn and Eric often traveled together to races and their faces became staples in the running community. Erics face was frequently captured on a few race magazines for his photo finishes. Eric also completed a triathlon with his middle daughter, Erin which was an immense source of pride.

Eric enjoyed dancing and partying with family and friends, often saying it was “Chicken Soup for My Soul.”  You never saw a dance floor without Eric on it and he even competed in Cooper Hospital’s “Dancing with Stars” competition.

Later in life Eric became passionate about red wines and bourbons, becoming a member of the Black Bourbon Society and building an impressive collection of rare bottles.

Surviving Eric is his loving wife of 32 years, Dawn D. McGrier, and their beloved children: Erica, Erin, and Erial. Also surviving are his brothers, Robert and Maurice McGrier, along with his devoted Aunts Debbie, Maureen, Bonita, and Uncle Rahman. Eric also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, treasured friends, fraternity brothers, running partners, and coworkers. Predeceasing him were Aunts Genevieve, Toni, and Uncle Bobby along with his cherished mother, Rita McGrier, and grandmother, Marguerite Edwards. His memory and impact will forever live on through those who loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation & Funeral on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 9-9:45 AM at the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia, 1166 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will be performing a ceremony prior to Mass promptly at 9:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM. Final disposition will take place privately.