Obituaries & Tributes

(717) 264-6416 Immediate Need

Pre-Arrange Your Funeral

Contact
Us

Site
Search

A A A

Text Sizing

333 Falling Spring Road | CHAMBERSBURG, PA. 17202 | (717) 264-6416
About An Amazing Life|Help

John J.
McDermott

October 20, 1933 – November 11, 2017

John McDermott
Share this tribute
Memorial Candles Lit for John | SEE ALL
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
— Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home & Cremation Center
"Professor McDermott was a wonderful man and a caring educator. I worked with him at Wilson College and often chatted with him and his w..."
— Vickie Locke
"As a former student of Mr. McDermott, I just want to say thank you for being one of my favorite teachers. You are fondly remembered. Rest..."
— Patricia Ohler (Weigle)
"John, Gail, Megan, so sorry for your loss you all have our sympathy ,all are in our thoughts and prayers. MAY GOD BLESS ALL"
— marlin,cecil negley

Obituary for John J. McDermott

Print
John J. McDermott, age 84, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away at Meritus Medical Center on Saturday,
November 11, 2017. Born October 20, 1933, in Wyoming, PA, he was the son of the late James A. and
Isabelle Williams McDermott.

Mr. McDermott earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Shippensburg University, his Master’s from
the University of Delaware, EBD from Ohio State. As an educator for 48 years, he taught sciences in the
Greencastle and Carlisle School Districts, served as a Professor of Nuclear Science for Penn State and
Dickinson College; and was the Senior Science Advisor for the PA Dept of Education. He completed his
career at Wilson College where he was the Director of Teacher Education. He was a member of the
American Nuclear Science Teacher’s Association, Phi Sigma Pi, Kappa Delta Pi, Sigma Pi Sigma, and
Phi Delta Kappa.

He was a member of Corpus Christi Church. He previously served on the Parish Council, was a Special
Eucharistic Minister for Nursing Homes, and a 4th Degree member of the F. C. Noel Knights of Columbus.
He was a member of the Franklin County Historical Society , the Cumberland Valley Woodcarvers, and
the Institute for Retired Persons (IRP) where he currently served as Director. He especially enjoyed fly fishing,
hunting, cooking, woodcarving, history and spending time with family, Romeo friends and his beloved dog Beau.

Surviving is his wife, Frances Ruda-McDermott, four children, John W. McDermott (wife Gail) of
Mechanicsburg, PA, Elizabeth McDermott of Carlisle, Matthew McDermott (wife Chantel) of
Davenport, FL, and Meaghan McDermott of Carlisle; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren,
a sister, Marian Crist of Las Vegas, NV, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he
was preceded in death by his first wife, Karen Scott McDermott and siblings, James McDermott,
Bernerd McDermott, and Leona McDermott.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at 11 AM at Corpus Christi
Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201, where the Very Rev. Fr. Luis R. Rodriguez
and Fr. Joseph Carolin will celebrate. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 14, 2017,
from 6-8 PM in the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Rd.,
Chambersburg, PA. Interment will follow the Mass in Corpus Christi Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in his name to
The St. Vincent de Paul Society, at the above church and address.

To send flowers to the family of John J. McDermott, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Visitation

When Tuesday, November 14th, 2017 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location
Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home
Address
333 Falling Spring Road
Chambersburg, PA 17202
Location Information
Just off I-81, exit 16, 1/4 East of I-81 on Rt. 30; turn on Falling Spring Rd.; funeral home is on the left after 1/4 Miles.

Service Information

When
Wednesday, November 15th, 2017 11:00am
Officiating
Very Rev. Luis Rodriguez V.F.
Co-Celebrant
Rev. Fr. Joseph Caroline
Location
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
Address
320 Philadelphia Ave.
Chambersburg, PA 17201

Interment Information

Location
Corpus Christi Cemetery
Address
Lincoln Way West
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Proudly Serving the Communities of CHAMBERSBURG, Fayetteville, St. Thomas, Greenvillage, Scotland, Marion, Shippensburg, Ft. Loudon, Quincy, Waynesboro, Shippensburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Fannettsburg, Spring Run, and Dry Run
(717) 264-6416 | 333 Falling Spring Road | CHAMBERSBURG, PA 17202 | Fax: (717) 264-1114 | Email: office@geiselfuneralhome.com