Joseph McGrady

Dr. Joseph McGrady, a devoted father, accomplished chemist, proud veteran, and faithful servant of God, transitioned peacefully on June 9, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 81.

Born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, in 1943, Joseph was the youngest of five children born to James and Alice McGrady. From an early age, Joe displayed an exceptional curiosity and passion for science. After graduating in the top 4% of his high school class in 1961, he earned several scholarships that led him to Pennsylvania State University, where he majored in chemistry and joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, serving as president for two years. He also participated in ROTC and conducted undergraduate research, ultimately being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation in 1965.

That same year, Joe received a research fellowship to pursue his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Wayne State University in Detroit. While there, two life-changing events occurred: the Detroit riots of 1967 and his marriage to the love of his life, Mamie Lyles. He completed his doctorate in 1969 at the age of 25.

Joe went on to serve as a Captain in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in Baltimore, Maryland until his honorable discharge. In 1971, he began a distinguished 27-year career with Procter & Gamble, where he served in various leadership roles and was awarded numerous patents for innovations used in household brands such as ERA, Cascade, Crisco, Duncan Hines, and Solo.

One of his most notable achievements was leading the research team that invented the reduced-calorie fat Caprenin, later used in chocolate products by M&M Mars and Hershey. At the time of his retirement, he served as the Proprietary Technology Manager for the Olestra Division.

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