John P. "J.P." McDermott

John P. “J.P.” McDermott, 72, Olyphant, died Tuesday evening at home after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  He and his wife, the former Alice Graham, had celebrated 40 years of marriage.

Born in Dunmore, son of the late Patrick G. and Frances Kelly McDermott, he was a graduate of Dunmore High School, Class of 1965.  For over 50 years, he had been a member of the national automatic sprinkler industry until his retirement. J.P. had a dry wit, a great sense of humor, and loved to pull pranks.  He enjoyed meeting with his coffee crew at McDonald’s in the morning, and Dunkin Donuts at night. 

Also surviving is a daughter, Mari McDermott; son, John Paul McDermott, Jr.; granddaughter, Abigail McDermott; a sister, Gertrude Phillips and husband George; and brothers Patrick Gerard and Robert Lawrence McDermott; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Edward McDermott, a sister, Marguerite Nicolais, and his cousin, Henry J. Smith, whom he considered to be a brother. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all those friends and family who helped to care for J.P. during his times of need—Richard Andrewsh; Fran and Philip Ferrese; Cheryl and James Matuszewski and their sons; Jim Jablonski; Carmel Dolan; Robert and Carmella Williams; Judy and Robert Hooper for all of their help above and beyond, and for the goodness shown towards the family; Theresa Haggerty, Sarah, and Joey for their continual love and support; his sister-in-law, Nancy Graham; Theresa Smith and family; Cookie and George Kuchak; and R.B. and Maryann Fitzpatrick.  Also to Dr. Michael Mandarano and staff, Dr. Michael Kayal and nurse Vonna, and Dr. Zack Simmons of Penn State Hershey Hospital. 

Due to the current pandemic, a private funeral service will be held with inurnment in St. Mary’s of the Assumption Cemetery, Scranton. 

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