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WHEREAS, Robert "BJ" McGrane was born on March 4, 1960, as one of 8 children and passed away on March 7, 2011, at the young age of 51. He is buried beside his father, John McGrane, Sr., a veteran who served in World War II; and
WHEREAS, Robert himself was proud veteran of the United States Navy from 1983-87, having served on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kittyhawk; and
WHEREAS, Robert was married 21 years to Avis Morris McGrane and was the proud father of two children: Bobby, age 19, a junior at Kent State; and Katie, 16, a junior at Oakland Catholic; and
WHEREAS, Robert was uncle to 23 nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, a 1978 graduate of Lawrenceville Catholic High School, Robert was the owner of McGrane Lawn & Garden for 20 years. He also had a snowplow business, was a trained welder, worked for the railroad, and celebrated 24 years of employment at the Veteran's Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Robert was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and a loyal season ticketholder; and
WHEREAS, Robert was also a very caring and responsive neighbor who took care of those around him, especially the elderly who had no family and those who were down on their luck. He believed in giving everyone a second chance; and,
WHEREAS, Robert served as President of the Memorial Day Parade Committee since 2005, which involved fundraising, community relations, organizing volunteers and leading the parade committee, reviving the Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade and turning it into the community commemoration that it is today.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby recognizes Robert J. McGrane's commitment to his community and desire to create a special place to live for all; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Monday, May 30, 2011 - Memorial Day -- Robert J. McGrane Day in the City of Pittsburgh.