Thomas Michael McDermott

Thomas Michael McDermott, lovingly known as Tommy then Tom, born on April 12, 1932 passed in to the next life on August 25, 2024 at the impressive age of 92. He was the cherished first child of Peter and Mae (Collins) McDermott, who emigrated from County Offaly, Ireland. Tom grew up in a close-knit Irish Catholic community in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, surrounded by family, friends, and the parish.

Tom had a remarkable gift for making and keeping friends, many of whom he stayed close to throughout his life. After graduating from All Hallows High School, The Bronx, an institution he proudly supported as an alum, Tom attended Iona College and Catholic University, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a life guard on Rockaway Beach as a young adult. He loved going to the beach throughout his life and shared his love and respect for the water with his children.

He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. After he was discharged Tom attended Catholic University where he met Lorraine Swantner, the love of his life. They married in 1960 and started their family in Nanuet, NY, welcoming four children. The family moved to Upper Montclair, NJ, where Tom built a successful career and was actively involved in his children's activities.

Tom's career path took him from a sales role at Texas Instruments to a senior management position at the New York Stock Exchange, during which time he earned an MBA. Inspired by his own experiences as a Boy Scout, he was a dedicated Boy Scout leader for many years beginning with his sons' scouting adventures, guiding, and mentoring young scouts.

Among the many passions of his life was his Irish family in Ireland and the United States. He spent time in Ireland as a young man and visited many times with Lorraine. He considered himself fortunate to be near first and second cousins throughout his life. While in Ireland he participated in hurling (a Gaelic sport involving wooden clubs, no pads, flying balls, and nerves of steel) as a young man in Ireland and enjoyed attending hurling matches at Gaelic Park in The Bronx in later years. He and Lorraine could often be seen spinning around the dance floor at County Offaly and family functions. He loved Irish music and was known to lend his confident tenor voice to a favorite song, or to sing a-capella when inspired.

A gifted and enthusiastic athlete, Tom played basketball as a young man and fervently believed Converse sneakers were an outstanding basketball shoe for his lifetime. He played handball and golf; he began skiing as an adult and then spent many ski seasons as a ski instructor at Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills.

In retirement, Tom and Lorraine moved to Seabrook, South Carolina, where he honed his golf game, made new friends, entertained old ones, and volunteered with Johns Island Outreach, teaching and coaching people applying for U.S. citizenship. Tom found spiritual solace and friendship at Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, SC, forming bonds that lasted the rest of his life.

Since 2014, Tom and Lorraine have resided at Bishop Gadsden, Charleston, SC, enjoying community life, their lovely cottage, and their delightful dog Tess, who joined them during COVID.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Lorraine; their children, Marianne and her husband Joe Strothman, Tom, Edmund and his wife Lisa, Tiffany, and her husband Craig Blackmon; and his five grandchildren, Kevin, Brian, Katherine, Mathias, and Eamon, all of whom brought him joy. He is also survived by his sister Kathleen McPartland and her husband Joe, his nieces Laurie, Doreen, Marybeth, and Karen, his nephew Peter, many great-nieces and nephews, and friends everywhere. He was predeceased by his sister Ann Reynolds and her husband Devere.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 11 am at Church of the Nativity in Charleston, SC. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to All Hallows High School, or Mepkin Abbey.

Tom's family are overwhelmingly grateful to the community of Bishop Gadsden, the staff of HomeRN, Ana, and Aurelia for the care, support, and kindness they gave to Tom during the last chapter of his storied life.

Tom will be remembered for his warmth, his generosity, and his unwavering love for his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.