Obituary of James McDermott

McDermott – James of Fairfeld, CT formerly of Huntington, NY on August 6, 2018. Beloved husband of Mary (nee McCarthy). Devoted father of Mark McDermott and his wife Jane Rice of Fairfield, CT, Paul McDermott of Greenlawn, NY and Marie McDermott of Boston, MA. Adored Grandfather of John and his wife Samantha, Makayla, Matthew, Madeline and Catherine.  Dear brother of Edith Tessier of Lowell MA and the late Dorothy Falcione, Virginia Barbagallo, and Ann McDermott. Jim was also survived by many nieces, nephews and in laws.

Visitation at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Ave., Huntington Station, NY on Thursday August 9 from   2-4 and 7-9 PM. Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church on Friday August 10 at 9:45 AM.

Visitation at Chapman Cole and Gleason 475 Main Street (Route 28), Falmouth, MA on Monday August 13 from 10 AM – 12 PM with burial to follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery 407 Gifford Street Falmouth, MA.

Jim was a 20 year colon cancer survivor and he beat prostate cancer too.  When diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November of 2017, Jim was ready for another fight with his family and other “village people” by his side.

Born and raised in Dorchester, MA, Jim was an avid and lifelong Red Sox fan.  He was beyond happy to be in attendance for the 2013 World Series win in Game 6.  Jim was awarded a basketball scholarship to Northeastern University, however he subsequently joined the Air Force for a four year stint. He then worked full time at Honeywell while attending college. He earned a BS in Education at Boston State Teachers College and began his career as a high school math teacher.  Jim subsequently made the move to Corporate America and retired from NYNEX in 1996 where he had been responsible for course development and training.

Jim loved Huntington and he was an active member of the community. Saint Patrick’s Church was where lifelong friendships were made as Jim was leader of the Folk Group, member of the Saint Patrick’s Players and Commissioner /Coach for the baseball and softball leagues. He also dabbled in coaching football and basketball. He was a loyal Huntington High School sports fan, and he very much enjoyed watching his son Paul coach the boy’s varsity lacrosse team especially when they won 2 NY State Championships.  He was always running the numbers to predict the goal differential. He enjoyed attending all the grandkids events especially if there was a tailgate serving hot dogs or a concert providing great music.  Jim was also on the School Board for the Huntington Union Free School District from 1979 serving 2 terms including a stint as School Board President. He instilled the ideals of community service in all of his children.

The Greatest Showman may have been PT Barnum, but Jim was a close second. He started his thespian career in college and continued for over 50 years. He was in over 25 shows with groups like St. Hugh’s Productions, Harborfields Community Theater, The Star Theater Group, St. Patrick’s Players, and The Walpole Footlighters.

Jim treasured spending time at his summer home in Falmouth (Cape Cod), MA.  As a resident of Great Harbors nothing made Jim happier than seeing the whole family enjoy the community activities together. The Golf String Tournament was one of his favorite days of the summer. He also enjoyed traveling to Ireland, Spain, Holland, Orlando, Aruba, Las Vegas and Myrtle Beach. Many cruises throughout the years made for even more family fun time while also allowing Jim to shoot some hoops and sing a few tunes at karaoke.

Jim was relishing this baseball season immensely and although he was not cocky about it, he thought this year’s team has the right stuff. Go Sox!!