Isaac Alexander McGruder was born August 8, 1927 in Palestine, Texas; the first child of Mamie Vera Massey McGruder and Isaac Alexander McGruder II. Though the powerful name (Isaac - Hebrew derivative meaning "Laughing One" and Alexander - Greek origin meaning "Defender of mankind.") spanned three generations, our Isaac never embraced the designation of "The Third." Isaac was fifteen when his parents divorced. Mamie moved him and his three younger siblings to Mount Vernon, New York. The family took up residence in a duplex they shared with Mamie's sister, Cora Eubanks. As the "man of the house," Isaac was responsible not only for the care of his younger brothers and sister, but also assisted his mother with the household. Isaac was very handy and quite skilled at home repairs and maintenance. But despite his adult responsibilities, Isaac found time to enjoy more youthful pursuits. Isaac played saxophone in the high school band, played chess, and would take various machines and gadgets apart to "see how they worked." Shortly after graduating from high school, Isaac became a Merchant Marine and served during the last years of World War II. In 1952 he enlisted in the Army and served as a Corporal during the Korean War. His life-long interest in photography began while he was in Korea and he collected various cameras during his tour. After returning stateside, Isaac enrolled in college. He attended Syracuse University and Adelphi University where he earned two Bachelors of Science degrees; one in physics and the other in Engineering. As a young man, Isaac spent a lot of time with first cousin and friend, Clarence Strong. But his free-wheeling bachelor years ended in 1961 when he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Emma Bailey, at a party after a Count Basie Orchestra concert that they attended in New York City. Elizabeth was an educator from North Carolina. She had taught in North Carolina and Maryland before eventually moving to New York. The pair married in New York on June 29, 1963. Isaac and Elizabeth lived in Mount Vernon and Hempstead before finally settling down in Roosevelt, New York in 1967. Elizabeth began teaching in Freeport and Isaac worked as an Electronic Engineer as well as a Realtor after his initial retirement. In August 1969 Isaac and Elizabeth completed their family when they brought home their beloved son Robert Jay McGruder. Isaac dedicated himself to Robert (lovingly called "Bobby Jay"). In typical "Massey" fashion, Isaac probably did vocalize to Robert how much he meant to him often enough. But Isaac made sure that his far-flung family members were aware of all of Robert's achievements and antics: Eagle Scout; motorcycles; military service; Prince Concerts; club security and parental care. A conversation with Isaac would start with one topic, but would always end up with something great about his Bobby Jay. In 1995 after an inspiring telephone conversation that he had with George Foreman, Isaac revealed the depth of his commitment to both Elizabeth and Robert when he decided to quit drinking and became an active member of A.A. He served as a mentor to countless individuals suffering from alcoholism and as a result, became a better husband to Elizabeth. His dedication to Elizabeth was evidenced by the excellent care he provided in the years following her stroke in 1998. Isaac could best be described as a super-intelligent man; a loving husband and a doting father. He was a man who never tired of learning, thinking, trying and doing. He was always looking for the next thing on the horizon and later in their life Ike and Liz as he affectionately referred to her, traveled to such exotic destinations as St. Barts, Hawaii and Canada. Isaac Alexander McGruder leaves behind his beloved wife Elizabeth Emma Bailey McGruder, his beloved son, Robert Jay McGruder, and his beloved daughter-in-law, Rachele Orsini. He also leaves behind brothers Jack McGruder and Bedford Neal McGruder; sisters-in-law Velmar Faison and Christine Jeter. In addition, Isaac will me mourned by sister-in-law Carol Gray; nephews/nieces: Carolyn, Deon, Tamiko and Rico; Vick and Terry; Michelle, Carol, Jack, Joanie, Mark, Sonya, Laura, David and Depelsha, and Jessica, as well as a host of great-nieces and great nephews. Isaac was preceded in death by his mother, Mamie Vera Massey McGruder, his sister, Doris Marie McGruder, and his sister-in-law, Deanna Juanita McGruder. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 12:00 pm at Pinelawn Memorial Park 2030 Wellwood Ave., Farmingdale NY 11735, family and guests will gather at the Carl C. Burnett Funeral Home at 11:00 am to drive in procession to the cemetery.