Thomas Patrick McDermott's Obituary
Thomas Patrick McDermott, age 75, of Lewes, DE, passed away on Friday, October 28th, 2022. He was born on March 22, 1947 in Queens, New York. The youngest of two sons of the late Bridget D. (Kelly) and Peter McDermott, he was raised in Sunnyside, Queens and Madison, New Jersey, graduating from Bayley Ellard High School in 1965.
Following graduation, he entered the United States Army (1966 - 1971) and proudly and honorably served his country during Vietnam as a medic with the Fourth Battalion, 42nd Artillery and Second Brigade, Fourth Infantry Division Long Range Recon Patrol team. During his years in combat, he was wounded several times. For his sacrifice and exemplary service, he was awarded multiple medals including the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and three Purple Hearts. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans Association, an organization he had great pride in supporting and volunteering with throughout his life.
After the military, Tom settled in Madison, New Jersey where he met and married Judith Ann Napolitano. In 1980, they welcomed their daughter, Alexis Christine. His professional path would lead to a 25 year career with New Jersey Transit as a Rail Signal Infrastructure Technician, retiring in 2011. After living in Madison for over 60 years, he and Judi moved to Lewes, DE where they became part of a close knit community in Nassau Grove.
Tom was a charismatic man. All heart, always a smile on his face and full of love. He was lucky to be a person with many passions. He was an Irishman through and through and the life of the party. He was fiercely proud of his heritage and would display the McDermott family crest throughout his house alongside Irish literature, quotes and humorous sayings. He was a sports enthusiast and football was his favorite. To the dismay of many, he never stopped believing in his beloved New York Jets. They now have the greatest fan ever rooting for them from above. When he and Judi moved to DE, they took up bocce and joined the Nassau Grove league. A memorable moment was winning the championship tournament during their first year. It made him smile to see a plaque in the community clubhouse with their winning pictures featured. He absolutely loved to read and had a never-ending thirst for knowledge. He'd start every day by reading five newspapers and once read an entire encyclopedia for fun. He was an avid fisherman. His spirit came alive when he was out on the water and he looked forward to his annual trips with friends. He was a collector of rare stamps (philatelist), Lionel train sets and railroad memorabilia. These were all interests he carried with him since childhood and loved to share with his grandson. Always a music man, he spent his days listening to both jazz and classic rock.
His devotion to family took precedence above all and time with them was what he cherished. Tom was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather (lovingly called "Pop Pop"), brother, uncle, godfather, and friend. He and Judi celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on October 16th. Their love of travel took them all over the world but it was the special times at home with his family that he enjoyed most of all.
With the love and support of his wife and daughter, he fought valiantly to overcome a series of health challenges over the last several years. Throughout this difficult period, he exhibited remarkable courage and dignity, while still maintaining the sense of humor that endeared him to family, friends, and neighbors. He was a courageous soldier to the very end.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Peter J. McDermott of Arnold, MD. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith A. (Napolitano) McDermott of Lewes, DE; his daughter Alexis C. McDermott, her husband, Ross A. Miller, and his grandson, Jack Thomas Miller of Summit, NJ. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lorraine W. McDermott of Arnold, MD, his niece, Kimberley M. Mertz of Seattle, WA, and her two children: his grandniece, Sean E. Mertz and grandnephew, James (Jay) Mertz, both of Seattle, WA.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 11:00AM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, where friends may call beginning at 10:00 AM.
All who cannot attend in person are invited to join the services via live streaming by visiting the following link: https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1238203
Interment with military honors will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
Please sign Mr. McDermott’s virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2022 AT OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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