Obituaries

Dermot Martin Garrett, 77

April 25, 1948 - October 24, 2025

Dermot Martin Garrett, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully at home on October 24, 2025. His wife of 52 years, Jeanne, was at his side.

Dermot was born in Oldham, England, on April 25, 1948, to Henry and Eileen Garrett. After Eileen’s passing, he was raised by his father and stepmother, Lucy Garrett. He attended St. Bede’s Secondary School and then Christ’s College, in Liverpool, England, before getting his master’s degree in education from Lehigh University.

At age 23, Dermot traveled to America where he met and married the love of his life, Jeanne Marie Sobrinski, at St. Matthew’s Church in East Stroudsburg, PA, in 1972. They shared a vocation as educators, with Dermot ultimately finding his calling in educational administration. He was principal of Upper Dauphin Area High School for 13 years. He later served as principal of Lancaster Catholic High School for 13 years.

Dermot is survived by his wife, Jeanne, and his four children: daughter, Caimeen Garrett and her husband, Chris; son, Dermot Garrett and his wife, Adrienne; daughter, Siobhanna Hunt and her husband, Zack; and his son, Liam Garrett; and his five grandchildren: Finley, Eamon, Isla, Carter, and Oona. He is also survived by his two sisters in England, Caimeen Mutton and her husband, David, and Susan Korchinsky and her husband, Walter.

Known for his dry British wit, storytelling ability, and love of language, friends also knew Dermot for his love of family, friends, gardening, and his pugs, Mugsy and Monty.

In his career, Dermot was a fierce advocate for both his faculty and his students, promoting faith, music and the arts in equal measure with academia and athletics. If asked what he was most proud of, Dermot would say it was the times in his life when he was in a position to show kindness and empathy to those in need.

Funeral Services will be held at St. John Neumann Church on Saturday, November, 8, 2025. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 AM. Mass will begin at 11:00, followed by a luncheon in the church hall at 12 noon.

The family wishes to thank Serenity Hospice of Pennsylvania, for its care and unwavering support during Dermot’s final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Water Street Mission of Lancaster.

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Condolences to the Family

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

Visitation: Saturday, November 08, 2025; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; St. John Neumann Catholic Church; 601 E. Delp Rd; Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services: Saturday, November 08, 2025; 11:00 AM; St. John Neumann Catholic Church; 601 E. Delp Rd; Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >