John Lawrence McGrew - Obituary

ohn Lawrence McGrew, age 75, a 40-year resident of Shady Side, Maryland, passed away on August 13, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. John was handsome, intelligent, and gracious with an immense love for his family and friends. John was born in Washington, DC, on November 29, 1950, to Carolyn Switzer McGrew and John Joseph McGrew, the first of their six children. At a young age, John demonstrated a passion for learning that would carry into his adulthood. He excelled academically as a child at St. Jane De Chantel Catholic School, ranking number one in his class. His sharp mind and brilliance were evident to those who studied alongside him, as well as both teachers and professors. John was both the Captain of his debate team and editor of his newspaper at St. John’s College High School, graduating in 1968. He was accepted at Dartmouth College on academic scholarship, where he was elected into Phi Beta Kappa. His academic career continued as he studied law at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1981 with his Juris Doctor Degree. He went on to a career practicing law in Washington, D.C., where he was employed at the prominent firm Willkie, Farr & Gallagher, specializing primarily in antitrust and complex communications law. In 1985 he married Erika Bethmann, the love of his life.Their marriage endured challenges and triumphs, yet they persevered. God blessed them with two incredible children- JT and Alicia. John and his son JT had a powerful bond. John’s love for his son was epic. He admired his son’s strength, wit, and perseverance. Alicia was the apple of her father’s eye, and she was “ his favorite daughter” and biggest lacrosse fan. John also raised Erika’s son Davin Voss as his own. They both shared some amazing times together. John volunteered at a homeless shelter in Washington, DC, where he took his children, exposing them to those struggling in this world. He coached JT’s baseball team at St. Andrew’s and Davin’s recreational basketball team. He got the most joy being Papa John to his four grandchildren. He loved telling them stories and hearing their contagious laughter. He was the happiest at the ocean body surfing and throwing his children into the waves. John’s siblings Pat, Mike, Meg, Kevin and Jim were devoted to him, especially during his physical challenges. In good times and times of suffering, each loved and cared for John in their own unique way. For eleven years John valiantly faced the challenges and debilitating effects of Parkinson’s. His incredible strength, grit and endurance will forever live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him. He kept the faith and finished the race set before him. John was preceded in death by his parents, John Joseph and Carolyn (Switzer) McGrew, and a son, Davin Donald Voss. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Erika Bethmann McGrew; his children, John Thomas McGrew of Shady Side, MD and Alicia Kimberly Knox of Stevensville, MD; his siblings, Pat McGrew of Burtonsville, MD, Mike McGrew of Stevensville, Kevin McGrew of Susan, VA, Jim McGrew of Gaithersburg, MD and Meg McGrew of Wilmington, NC; and his grandchildren, Esther, Jude, Noah, and Lydia Knox, with a new grandchild due in February 2027. Family and friends are invited to celebrate John’s inspiring life on Thursday, September 10 at 11 AM at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship, 377 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741. Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.