Matthew 25:21
For those who would like to celebrate John's life and feel the need to share/give, please think of the Carmellite fathers in Middletown NY, Mout Carmel High School foundation, the American Cancer Society, or any other worthy cause and charity you feel strongly about. Thanks!
John is laid to rest at Restland Memorial Park in Richaradson/Dallas TX.
Tributes
Leave a tributeMatthew 25:21
Hopefully in these times many will remember their faith and the great giving for their fellow man!!
Thanks for those invites to play golf with Mike at the tournament. It was always a great time, and thanks for the meals at your favorite mexican restaurant in Whittier. You are remembered!
Bob
I first remember hearing about "Mr. McDermott" when I was an employee of JCPenney. Arriving at work one morning, the atmosphere was crisp and attentive. Management was on high alert because Mr. McDermott was coming for a visit. He commanded respect and everyone was eager to impress. later I got to know him on a more personal level as "JR", Mike's dad. Someone who loved family and friends, but to me he will always be "Mr. McDermott.
Susan
I was a young management trainee at Valco Penneys, when I had my first one-on-one with JR. he took me out into the mall and as we walked by each store he shared his retail wisdom. Why one business was successful...While another would fail. He had an ease with which he shared his knowledge, knowledge gained from years in the industry and a successful career. He was warm and encouraging and I saw the man behind the position he held. That walk down the mall shaped the decisions I made in my career, decisions that still resonate today.
Susan
I'm Irish. Until I met Mike, I never really thought about my Irish heritage. But as we all know, Mike McDermott is two things for sure, a Texan and Irish. Mike's love of all things Irish came from his dad, who loved Ireland and passed that love on to Mike. JR visited McDermott's pub on a trip to Ireland and a picture of that pub now hangs in Mike and Kathy's home. When traveling to Ireland, Bob and I visited the same pub. So in honor of JR's passing I share this saying found on an old Irish headstone
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal"
Modern technology! going to save the picture of your dad's stuff and store on my computer. Hope you got your card and I have my fond memories of your dad growing up. Both of your parents. Feel sometimes like I grew up in your family. Much love and positive thoughts. Now I know I have pictures of all of us just need to find where my picture of Father Nagel is. Much love and support Sharon xoxox
So sorry to hear about your dad. Thoughts and prayers with all of you. As you said ... he's in a better place now.
Love,
Barb
Sorry to hear this... I will always remember our golf outings and the meals at the Mexican restaurant with your dad. I haven't played golf since my dad passed a few years ago. My thoughts are with you and your family.
All My Best,
Brad
Leave a Tribute
Matthew 25:21
Hopefully in these times many will remember their faith and the great giving for their fellow man!!
8 years now but always remembered
7 years ago….
Hopefully in these times many will remember their faith and the great giving for their fellow man!!
A Bad day!
"Imagine if you will" (aka Rod Serling- for you old timers!) the date is July 3, 1972 and a young Michael is in his bedroom entertaining a couple of guest. Two buddies are with me in my room, it's pre- Fourth of July time, and the boys are lighting punks sticks and telling stories about how many and how big of fireworks they plan to set off tomorrow (July 4).
Michael is demonstrating how he'll use his punk to light a smoke bomb, when all of a sudden he actually lights the bomb (mind you the fuse on a smoke bomb is about an inch long). Instead of throwing it in the toilet (about 5 steps away or 8 steps and out the garage door, Michael thinks looks and stuffs the smoldering smoke bomb into his cigar box full of firecrackers, snakes, and more smoke bombs. Did not take long and the firecrackers caught on and bam bam bam bam............ Burns a hole in the bed blanket and comforter about 2 feet wide and 4 inches deep. Smoke fills the room and boys are scurrying about, and then Dad (Mac- JR) walks in.
Dad was napping on his hammock in the backyard. He looks inside the room, surveys the damage, and a oh so sad Michael and friends. He finally speaks (with a look of I'm ashamed and dismayed at you!)..... and says, "you better clean this up before your Mother gets home". Then goes back to his nap.
That was cool, calm, and collected JR for you. Vintage. Needless to say my punishment was to have Dad announce to the whole family- that since Michael already had his 4th celebration, there'd be no fireworks for anyone on the actual day.
Ah the memories, and the smell of gunpowder for weeks in my room.