November 08, 2025

Our sincere condolances to Jeanne, Derm and Family.  Always had fond memories of your family. We always were aprecative of the support from Mr Garrett and Jeanne when we lost our daughter Kristy. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.  Alden and Linda Wiest

November 06, 2025

Dear Jeanne and family – I was deeply saddened to hear of Dermot’s death and I am praying for strength and comfort for all of you. Your love for each other continues – not even death can break that bond.
I found it a great blessing that Dermot and I were able to exchange messages, some profound and some laugh-out-loud, in the weeks prior to his passing.
Dermot’s father Henry and my mother Anne were brother and sister, and I grew from babyhood with Dermot and his sister Caimeen (who was born 2 weeks before me) and his sister Susan. Later in life I lost touch with Dermot after he moved to live in America. I was delighted when I was invited to Pennsylvania for your daughter Bonna’s wedding in 2010, together with Caimeen and her husband David. I met you, Jeanne, for the first time and soon saw that you were the love of Dermot’s life. Your children were a wonderful. It was one of the happiest times of my life, and I remember your great kindness.
I particularly remember discussions Dermot and I had long into the night on the back porch when we spoke of God and philosophy, politics and history, family and life in general, all peppered with Dermot’s dry wit and wisdom.
This erudite man was joyfully spontaneous. I know that you will remember Dermot herding us into cars late at night to drive to your favourite ice cream parlour. I drew the short straw and drove with Dermot in his old 3 wheeler car. We ate ice creams in the glare of security lights in our night wear – a motley crew having a great deal of fun and laughter. However, I have never since driven in a 3 wheeler car at speed.
Dermot’s great love for you and the family, Jeanne, and his dedication to unreservedly supporting and showing compassion to those who needed it – me included –  were the mark of the man. Dermot was simply one of the best of men. May God bless him and shine His light upon him. Rest in peace dear Dermot.
(Marie) Christine Heywood
 

November 06, 2025

An Outstanding Advocate for non traditional students, but is mainly remembered as maintaining order, discipline and Honor Student Curriculum initiatives. Just as importantly, he was a staple and Patriarch of his immediate Family. His children are well rounded and his loving Wife multitasked in tremendous ways. Our prayers, thoughts and condolences are instantly sent to The Beautiful Family.
Joe Weisser

November 04, 2025

Mr. Garrett , A great man and a great part of our administration team at Upper Dauphin Area School District. I learned a lot from Mr. Garrett and his insight into education . God bless everyone . 
Dr. Keith “Jake” Boyer

November 02, 2025

Dermot and I were double first cousins in that his father Henry was my mother’s brother and his mother Eileen was my father’s sister. We were born within a month of each other and I have many happy memories of him, normally laughing at one of his hilarious stories. 
Dermot went on to lead a wonderfully fulfilling and happy life with you, Jeanne and I know that you and the family will miss him terribly. May he rest in peace.
With love and prayers
Margaret Jackson (née McKeown) 
 

November 01, 2025

When I think of Mr. Garrett, I am reminded of his dignity and his humor.  I have always been grateful that he taught graduate courses at UDA High School because those classes inspired me to continue on to obtain my Master’s Degree.  
Jeanne and family, I’m sending my deepest sympathy and wish you comfort and peace.
Liz Herb

November 01, 2025

Mr. Garrett was a light of hope for my family in 1991 when my brother, Erik Witmer, was diagnosed with cancer during his senior year at Upper Dauphin Area High School. Mr. Garrett showed continuous compassion and concern for Erik and visited him often. He even came to our house to do a small graduation ceremony since Erik was too sick to attend the one at school. When Erik sadly passed away two months later, Mr. Garrett assisted my parents with setting up a memorial fund to help children and their families going through similar circumstances. My parents, Nevin and Violet Witmer, and I have always held Mr. Garrett in high regard for everything he did for Erik and our family. Our condolences and prayers are with the Garrett family during this time of grief and healing.
Jenny Witmer Sracic

October 31, 2025

This sad event brings back happy memories from long ago. Dermot’s father Henry (my godfather) and mother Eileen were brother and sister of my parents, Meg and Michael. We were very close as families, and our fathers were in business together for many years.
We are sorry to hear of his death, but are glad to read of his valuable and well-lived life and send love, prayers and condolences to his family.
John McKeown

October 31, 2025

Dear Garrett family, Condolences from the Oldham area of North West England. I’m Dermots second cousin Eamon Mckeown. I haven’t had much contact with Dermot over the years. But my recollections of him are of a larger than life older teenage cousin living around the corner. I remember him with fondness. His dad and my Grandmother Meg were brother and sister. Best love to all the Pennsylvania family at this sad time. Eamon Mckeown

October 31, 2025

Mr. Garrett’s kindness and compassion in response to some of our family’s saddest moments will forever be remembered un our hearts.  He was truly a person of great integrity.  He was a good friend who….out of respect….we never addressed as “Demot”.  He will be forever “Mr. Garrett”, a truly heroic and Christ-like Human Being.  The world will greatly miss him. Patrick and Janice Russoniello

October 30, 2025

Dear Jeanne and Family, please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers. I am so sorry to hear this news. Dermot helped at Sacred Heart with taking Holy Communion to out sick and homebound.  while I was Pastoral Assistant there.I remember when he offered to help. He said “I have bags of time”, I would be happy to help. And he was a great help, indeed.   God bless.
Jean Nikolaus.                                                  

October 29, 2025

Although I never met him, I feel like I know him through the admiration and stories Mimi has told me. I learned he had a fun sense of humor and was well loved!
Sincere condolences to all for this extreme loss! Xo Lisa Gray

October 29, 2025

Dear Garrett Family,
Mr. Garrett was a wonderful man. We met him during his tenure at Lancaster Catholic High. Our family gave him a few grey hairs but he was so very fair and concerned about the impact of actions upon a child. Very kind and quite funny. He was a good man. Bless you all as you work through your memories and hold each other close. Lilia and David Nice
 

October 29, 2025

Dear Jeanne and family,
We are very sorry to read of Dermot’s passing.  He was a wonderful Principal when our children attended Lancaster Catholic and you could tell he loved being there.  As parents he was always visible and friendly to us.  May he rest in the peace of Our Lord.
Bruno & Sylvia Schmalhofer

October 29, 2025

Dear Jeanne and Family – Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband and father.  You are in my thoughts today and in the coming days.   
With my Sympathies, 
Meg Lutz (former school counselor at Hans Herr Elementary)

October 28, 2025

I remember his as a pro student friendly Principal who guided his staff & curriculum moving in a very fair, structured & solid academic curriculum. Was proud to be proud of his UD team. I wish the family prayers. Lots of good memories for a good educator & family man. Tom & I say we are so sorry for your loss. 
Tom & Peg Troutman

October 28, 2025

This is such sad news. Mr Garrett brought honor and class to our UDA high school. Some policies are still upheld today. Sending prayers for the entire Garrett Family. The Hosler, Sweger family 

October 28, 2025

prayers the family I will never forget his calming support the day after one of our students died unexpectedly. Rest in peace Mr Garrett.
Terry Miller

October 28, 2025

Sending comforting thoughts and prayers for healing during your time of loss. Mr. Garrett was one of the few educators at UDA that treated me with respect and kindness. He was an excellent leader who I respected and admired. He was fair, honest and had a dry but effective humor.          I often tell people how much respect I had for him regardless of his reputation as a tough man. He truly made a difference in my school life. May he rest in peace and know he made an impact upon people. 
Vicki Lenker-Cobaugh

October 28, 2025

Prayers and condolences to his family. A wonderful man who shaped many kids lives. Thank you for all you did. You will be quite missed by family, friends, and previous students.
Christy Deiter Warfel

October 28, 2025

We are so sorry to hear about Dermot’s passing. Dermot hired me when I started teaching at Upper Dauphin – he mentored me, supported me and helped me grow as a teacher – I always appreciated his helpful feedback and his humor. He always had a funny story to tell. He also cared deeply about our students and was a strong advocate for a well-rounded education that was strong in academics, arts, athletics, experiences and well-being. My wife had the pleasure of teaching with Jeanne and we enjoyed having their wonderful kiddos in our classes. Dermot inspired many – students who struggled and those who excelled, and he encouraged a sense of unity in his staff so they would collectively provide an excellent education to the students. Rest in Peace, Dermot. 
Todd and Melanie Smeltz