Obituaries

John J. McDermott, Ph.D., 90

October 04, 2017

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.

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Condolences to the Family

June 07, 2020

June 07 – 2020
Dear Family and other parties concerned
This is a belated “condolences” from a colleague in Marine Biology, who first met John back in 1988 at an ASZ meeting. John, as far as I know also had some connections with the Elsinore Marine Laboratory in Denmark, in articular the late dr. Aage Moeller Christensen. I met John many times at meetings and he was a warm and caring zoologist of the “old school” such as they are rarely if ever found anymore. I am sure he was a both excellent and beloved teacher at his institution. May we all honour the memory of John!
Sincerely
Jens T Hoeg
Marine Biology Section, Dept. Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

January 11, 2018

I am saddened to hear of the death of my teacher and colleague, Dr. John McDermott. I first met John when I took his graduate level course on Marine Invertebrates at VIMS while I was an undergraduate at Mary Washington College. He was incredibly inspiring as a teacher and was a great mentor in my decision to pursue the study of decapod crustaceans in graduate school. Later, as a colleague, we stayed in touch, enjoying our discussions at meetings of the Crustacean Society. He was supportive, interesting and inspiring to so many. I treasure my correspondence and memories of John. My condolences to his family. 
Elizabeth Wenner, Ph.D. 

October 20, 2017

Luv hugs and sympathy to Charlie, John and your family from Lulu, Thelma Doris and Sophia Pearson-Fisher

October 19, 2017

Dear Tom,
I was deeply saddened to just learn of your father’s passing. Please accept Ed’s and my heartfelt condolences. As you well know, he was an amazing gentleman…
With a hug,
Stefanie Valar 

October 09, 2017

To the family of Prof. John.  He was a true friend and colleague at F&M.  We shared interests in intercollegiate athletics and I will miss sitting with him at F&M basketball games this winter.  I valued the time we spent together as members of the F&M Athletic Committee as we planned the future of F&M intercollegiate athletics.  
Dr. William Marshall, F&M Director of Athletics Emeriti

October 09, 2017

Dear Family and relations of John McDermott
I have met John on several occasions in my career as a marine scientist and parasitologist He was always the most amiable of colelagues and we had many a good chat together. I grieve his passing and yet admire his having a life long career with the animals he loved so much. He worked in denmark at the Elsinore Marine Laboratory with the late Age Moeller Christensen, and so, for a Dane, John stood particularly close to me.  I shall miss John a lot, sincerely, jens T Hoeg, Marine Biology section, department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, jthoeg@bio.ku.dk
 

October 07, 2017

Working with John McDermott was a highlight of my scientific career. He was a wonderful person, outstanding scientist and a friend. I will miss seeing him at meetings and exchanging e-mails on the wonders of parasites. That might not sound like a fun topic to most people, but to John, it sure was. – Chris Boyko

October 07, 2017

Dr. McDermott was an intellectual, friend, and neighbor for many years. A real down-to-earth gentleman who was always eager to share his expertise whenever given the opportunity. The world is a better place as a result of his life and contributions. He will be missed.  D. Enck

October 07, 2017

Rest in Peace Dr. McDermott.
My condolences.
Flavio A. Alves-Jr.
 

October 07, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Julie Smoker

Visitation
Monday, October 09, 2017
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Nevin Chapel of Franklin & Marshall College
525 Old Main Drive
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Monday, October 09, 2017
1:00 PM
Nevin Chapel of Franklin & Marshall College
525 Old Main Drive
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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