Thomas Franklin McDermott, 82, of Fremont, OH passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2016 at Stein Hospice in Sandusky, OH. He was born on May 16, 1934 in Fremont, the son of John Thomas and Anna Rose (Etzel) McDermott. He was a 1952 graduate of St. Joseph High school and received an Associate Degree in Architecture from Terra Community College in 1976.
Tom served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1956 and again from 1958 until 1960 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was proud to serve on the USS Intrepid as an aircraft mechanic. He then served in the National Guard as a Structural Mechanic for fourteen years.
Tom married Patricia Louise Spieldenner on May 19, 1962 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fremont and she preceded him in death on March 8, 2015. He was a Carrier for the U.S. Post Office for many years and retired on May 19, 1989. Tom worked in Maintenance at Our Lady of The Pines for seven years. He also worked part-time at Staples.
Tom was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the American Legion and Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree where he was a Grand Knight for two terms. His hobbies included stamp collecting, oil painting, woodworking, caning antique chairs, reading and genealogy.
Tom is survived by his children, Monica (John) Rich, Clyde, OH, Michelle (John) Hoffert, Fremont, OH, Marcia (Jim) Westgate, Swansea, MA, Maureen (Scott) Kerik, Marblehead, OH; sisters, Julia (Jorge) de la Torre, Houston, TX and Mary Ann Thompson, Luckey, OH, grandchildren, Terese L. Cline, James C. Westgate II, Larisa Kerik and Kenneth Kerik.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia Louise McDermott; sister, Patricia (William) Sanders and brother-in-law, James Thompson.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, November 21, 2016; 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 702 Croghan St., Fremont, OH. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service prior to mass. Fr. Nathan Bockrath will officiate.
Tom’s wish was to donate his body to the University of Michigan Anatomical Study program.
Memorials: Stein Hospice, Knights of Columbus or Sandusky County Humane Society
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Tom & Charmaine Longanbach
Maureen, Michelle, and all the family: Please know how very sad we were to learn of your father’s death. After reading his obituary, he certainly was a man of many accomplishments. We express our deepest sympathy to you all. May he rest in the arms of his Heavenly Father…and may you have peace knowing that.
Pat Miller
To the family of Tom McDermott.
I worked with Tom at St. Bernardine Home and I want to express
my sympathy to the whole familly.
I know it is difficult to have your parents pass on, but just
know you are in our prayers as you grieve his death.
Pat Miller
Mr. & Mrs. Schaeffer
Michelle,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
May the God of all comfort guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus <3
Love & Prayers,
Teresa (Meyer) & Samuel Schaeffer
Stephen D. Weiler
My thoughts and prayers are with the McDermott family and friends. My father, John, spoke very highly of Tom
during his years at the post office. May God grant you peace and courage to deal with your loss.
Tamie Mezinger
Michelle and family, so sorry to hear the loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.