1952

scmintern@scu.edu

Thomas Joseph McDermott ’52 was a son to Betty and Thomas McDermott and a brother to Larry, Jack, and Mary. As a “GM Jr.” Tom grew up in many places but considered Janesville, Wisconsin, home. He graduated from SCU with a business degree and a fond memory of being on national television as an SCU yell leader at the Orange Bowl. Tom married his college sweetheart, Kathleen Ann Wilson, on Aug. 22, 1953. As a Navy lieutenant, Tom served aboard the USS Rochester and cruised the Pacific Ocean while based in San Diego. After his military service, he joined General Motors, where he was an accounting supervisor. Tom moved his family to Goleta, “The Good Land,” in 1969, and joined the ranks at Delco Electronics. After his retirement in 1991, Tom poured his time and passion into volunteering at Villa Majella and Cottage Hospital in both the NICU and ER. From rocking to sleep a preemie newborn, helping hospital staff, or eating in the hospital cafeteria, Tom found his niche. The Tri County Blood Bank, Terri Toon Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, and the St. Mark’s University Parish were communities of which he was not only an active member but also a devoted volunteer. A prince among men, Tom passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s on Nov. 30, 2017, surrounded by his family. He is dearly missed by his wife, Kathleen; sons Tom and Brian; daughters Molly and Maureen; daughters-in-law Margrethe and Lynne; and sons-in-law Ralph and Bob. His 11 grandchildren and great-grandson were his No. 1 fans!

08 Nov 2018