Joseph C. "Joe" McDermott
February 25, 1920 ~ October 26, 2020
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.
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We will miss uncle Joe, but we have many fond memories & had some very fun times with him & the rest of the McDermott clan. There was never a dull moment when the McDermotts all got together! He & Aunt Carol made a wonderful couple, you always felt so welcome at their house, you never could leave without being fed. We will cherish our memories as he left us with many! With lots of love Janet & Ken Kaliban
Paul we are in Florida very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. It was a blessing to have known your Dad. Praying for you and your family. Jack and Sue West
Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. It was a pleasure knowing both Joe and Carol. I remember their many visit to the farm and all the laughs sitting around the kitchen table. Your parents, and mine, are reunited with Rosie and Woody again talking about “the good old days.” Thoughts and prayers coming your way to both Paul and Jeannie.
Joe was a grand gentleman. It was a privilege to know him. He will be sorely missed. We fondly think of the time he went tubing on lake Barkley and complained the boat wasn’t going fast enough. I believe he was 90. Blessings and peace to the family. Jack & Tuni Miller
I did not know Joe, but I worked with his son Paul for many years. My sincere sympathy to Paul and all the family. Kay Chitwood
I wasn’t able to spend a lot of time with Joe, but the times I had he was always full of life. He had a smile that lit up the room and a laugh you couldn’t help but join in. He will be deeply missed. Much love and prayers to the family. Sue Miller
Our entire family was so sorry to learn of Uncle Joe’s passing. He was a wonderful man! We would all be so excited when he and Aunt Carol would come to North Carolina–my brother Billy Joe would often treat them to a fish fry. They loved to go to the beach! And he always insisted on “fixing” whatever was broken at my Mom’s house (Alta E Combs), and he could always find something! They were a wonderful couple and will be sorely missed! Teresa (Flo) Combs Wood
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Paul and Dianne . . . I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. May the many memories you have help you through this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you both, and your family.ߌ¹
ON BEHALF OF THE COMRADES AND SISTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE AND OUR DEPARTED COMRADE.OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.SINCERELY VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA STATE CHAPLAIN KEISTON R.HOLLOWAY
Joe and our father, Omer O’Connor, were great friends and really enjoyed getting together and having coffee. Dad is still alive at 97. He will be happy that Joe made it to 100 but will be very sad to hear of his passing. Our sympathy for your family. We know you will miss him! He was a wonderful person and we appreciate his friendship! – The O’Connor Family
The Tom McDermott Family Tony McDermott, Susie Douglas, Joe & Cinda McDermott, Pat & Deb McDermott and families
Joe was the top hospitality person at St. Paul Hermitage!! All the Yeadon family loved greeting him and shaking his hand. He was such a kind man and always joyful. I enjoyed his 100th birthday party as well. I am sure he is shaking each person’s hand in heaven and giving them his beautiful smile. Thanks Joe!!
What a wonderful, caring man! Always had a smile. He leaves a beautiful legacy of faith and devotion to Holy Name! Sending prayers and love during your time of loss! Roberta Hannon
I had the honor of caring for Joe at St Paul. He always made my day better when I saw him smiling when I was at work. He was loved by many. We have all gained an angel. Prayers to his family.
To Paul and Dianne. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was such a neat man. May he rest in eternal peace.