Thomas J. "Duke" McGrane

Thomas J. “Duke” McGrane, 83, of Saugus passed away on July 10, 2025, following a series of medical setbacks. Before getting married and moving to Saugus, Duke was born and raised in East Boston and was the eldest son of the late Thomas A. and Stella J. (Theophiles) McGrane. Being born on the same May 19th date as his father, he was anointed with the nickname Duke, Jr., which, in deference to his father, who also had the same nickname, was eventually shortened to just Duke. He is survived and will be dearly missed by his daughter, Meredith of North Reading, his son, Scott and wife Alex McGrane of North Andover. He was the loving and caring grandfather of Lily, Logan, and Emily. He is also survived by Ann Marie (Ganno) McGrane of Middleton.

Duke was the firstborn of five sons, raised by Tom and Stella, and leaves behind twin brothers James (“Jim” deceased 2018) and John of Middleton, and twin brothers Francis “Coco” of Waterville Valley, NH, and Frederick of Reading. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as cousins and family members of the Ackerman, Hegner, Triant, and Zuffante families.

Duke graduated from Northeastern University in 1965 and spent his career working for the federal and state government before retiring in the early 2000s. A favorite of Duke’s was celebrating family birthday dinners, and enjoying many laughs, with his brothers (and adopted Consiglieri Edwin Shanahan). Numerous special guests were invited to join those dinners over the past 35+ years, and Duke’s presence and humor will be deeply missed.

Duke will be waked at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield MA on Thursday, July 31st from 4:00-7:00 p.m. At the request of his family, funeral services will remain private.

Donations in Duke’s memory can be made to The Fisher House Foundation, benefitting American veterans and their families.