Joseph C. "Joe" McDermott

Joseph C. “Joe” McDermott, 100, of Beech Grove, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2020 in his room at St. Paul Hermitage in Beech Grove. Joe was born on February 25, 1920 in Anthon, Iowa to the late Thomas J. and Margaret V. (McKenna) McDermott. On December 31, 1945 Joe wed Carol McDermott in Anthon, Iowa; Carol preceded Joe in death on October 16, 2009.

Joe grew up in a farming family in Iowa with his eight siblings. Upon graduating from high school, Joe proudly served his country in World War II. He was a crew chief on an aircraft in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945. A hardworking man, Joe was employed at Chrysler and Citizen’s Gas. Joe worked in industrial belting and was last employed at Central Rubber Supply; he retired in 1985 after over 20 years of service. A man of faith, Joe was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Beech Grove since 1956 where he was named “Holy Name Man of the Year” in 2004 and also served as an usher. Joe was the epitome of a good, Christian man. He was always volunteering on any project in the parish and dedicated to making many parish festivals a success.

Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Msgr. Downey Council #3660, the Holy Name Men’s Club, and the local VFW. Joe was an avid gardener who enjoyed tending to his many vegetable plants; being very generous, he was always known to give his many vegetables to others. Carol and Joe loved music; they attended many dances at Holy Name. Even after Carol passed away, Joe kept dancing. Joe was a jack-of-all trades when it came to fixing and repairing things, not only around his own home, but he was always helping others work on things in their homes, often using money out of his own pocket to do so. Joe will be remembered as an inspiration to many for his kindness, work ethic, and strength.

Along with his parents and wife, Joe was preceded in death by his eight siblings.

Joe is survived by his children, Paul (Dianne) McDermott and Jeanne O’Brien; his grandchildren, Paul (Carol) McDermott, Jr., Rhonda (Scott) Miller, Katie (Matt) Miller, and Kelly Tremain; his great grandchildren, Evan Tremain, Samuel Miller, and Andrew Miller; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. in Holy Name Catholic Church, 89 North 17th Avenue, Beech Grove. Visitation will be held prior to mass on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M in the church. Following the celebration of mass, Joe will be laid to rest next to his wife in Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Hermitage or Holy Name Catholic Church; envelopes will be provided at the church. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to leave an online condolence for the McDermott family.