John J. McDermott, Ph.D., 90, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2017. He was the husband of the late Jeanne Hubbard McDermott, who passed away in 1996. Born in Newark, NJ, he was the son of the late John J. and Emily Zoakes McDermott. The B. F. Fackenthal Jr. Professor of Biology Emeritus at Franklin & Marshall College, John taught and conducted research at F&M from 1958 to 1996 and had served as Chairman of the Biology Department from 1962 to 1973. He had also conducted marine research and served as a visiting professor at the University of Miami Marine Lab, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (University of Virginia and William and Mary), and Duke Marine Lab. Outside of the United States he conducted marine research in Bermuda, Denmark, Wales and South Africa. He was a Fulbright Scholar Research Award recipient, and was published in the Smithsonian, Science, and countless academic journals and publications. A US Navy veteran of World War II, he served as a Torpedomans Mate Third Class on the destroyers USS Pritchett and Bradford. Dr. McDermott graduated from Seton Hall College, where he was a member of the basketball team, with a BS in Biology, and both his Masters and Doctorate in Biology from Rutgers University. A true naturalist, he loved the ocean and beach, and spending time at his home in Avalon, NJ. He enjoyed all sports, particularly watching golf, and was an avid NY Yankees fan. He enjoyed traveling the world to many destinations with his beloved wife, Jeanne. John is survived by his sons: John J. III companion of Charlaine Gibble and Thomas M. husband of Judy Grove McDermott, both of Lancaster; his five grandchildren: Kate Wert, Stephen McDermott, Ashley Horst, David Maser and Joseph Maser; his 3 great grandchildren Preston, Matthew, and Madelyn, and by his sister, Eileen Smalfus. He was preceded in death by his sons, James and Stephen McDermott, and by his sister Mildred Buerle. Friends will be received on Monday, October 9, 2017 from 12Noon to 1PM at the Nevin Chapel of Franklin & Marshall College, 525 Old Main Drive, Lancaster, PA, with the Memorial Service to follow at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Dr. McDermott's memory to The Jeanne M. & John J. McDermott Biology Endowment Fund, Franklin & Marshall College, Office of College Advancement, PO Box 3003, Lancaster, PA 17604, with checks payable to Franklin & Marshall College.