REEDVILLE—Joseph A. McDermott, 86, of Reedville passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on October 5, 2025.
Born in Belford, New Jersey, Joseph was one of 13 children of the late John J.A. and Alvina M. McDermott.
Joseph was an Army veteran, a master welder with the Newport News shipyard, an engineer with the menhaden fishing industry for 10 years and was employed at Wood Preservers in Warsaw, until retirement.
Joseph served as deacon and treasurer of Fairport Baptist Church for many years. He was known for being a gentleman and a man of his word. He enjoyed the outdoors, playing dominoes with friends and spending time with his family.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents and siblings, John, Francis, Ruth, Bernice, Rita, Alvina, Robert and Fr. Benedict R. McDermott.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ann Flint McDermott; and daughter, Donna Thompson (Tommy) of Reedville. Joseph is known as “Papa,” to Whitney Shelton (Steven) of Wicomico Church, Joseph “Joey” Thompson (Elyse) of Reedville; and three great-grandchildren, Mason Shelton, Benjamin Shelton and Harbor Thompson.
Joseph is also survived by his brother, Donald (Mary Jane) McDermott of Little Silver, N.J.; and sisters, Lois Persson of Baltimore, Md., Sr. Kathryn McDermott of the Bronx, N.Y., and Sr. Ann McDermott of Stela, Niagara, N.Y,; his sister-in-law, Brenda Burton; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2 pm on Wednesday, October 8, at Fairport Baptist Church. The family received friends one hour prior to the service. Interment immediately followed at Roseland Cemetery in Reedville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Benevolence Fund of Fairport Baptist Church.
