John F. McDermott, Sr.

Of Arlington Heights

John F. McDermott Sr. was born on October 31, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to James and Winifred (nee Duffy) McDermott. He died Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Lutheran Home & Services in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Mr. McDermott worked as a Professional Engraver for R.Q Hinckel in Bryn Mawr, PA before moving to Arlington Heights in 2002. He continued working with The Finer Line where he worked for nearly a decade. One of the more notable engraving assignments was a World Clock that U.S. President Ronald Regan presented to Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. John engraved the plaques signifying the meeting of these two World Leaders.

He was a real estate agent for Andrews and Pinkstone as well as Fanelli and Harper serving the Philadelphia Suburban Main Line market. His professional expertise benefited many transitioning executives with Fortune 1000 firms.

He was a manager at Ardmore Lanes, a Bowling Center owned and operated by his wife Virginia’s Father and Brothers. The bowling alley served as his calling following his return from the Philippines and Honorable Discharge from the United States Marines. He dedicated time bowling with his Brother-in-Law and National Hall of Fame Bowler Charles Butera Sr, Nephew’s Jim and Charles Butera Jr. and Chief Halftown during the era when the country was enamored with Bowling socially and competitively. In 1962, John won the Peterson Classic Bowling Championship held annually in Chicago--at 35th and Archer. John was inducted into the Pennsylvania Bowlers Hall of Fame.

His interests and hobbies included his many nieces and nephews sporting activities--baseball, football and golf. He was a passionate follower of the Irish’s Football team. John’s natural athletic skills transitioned from baseball to bowling to billiards to golf over the years. He enjoyed all of these activities with his grandsons Matthew and Jack (John III) when he lived in Arlington Heights.

John was always present at Jack and Matt’s sporting activities, cheering on from the sidelines or stands. He attended Jack’s Diving Meets at Fremd High School, as well as Jack’s Gymnastics Matches across District 211 and Jack’s successes at several IL State Gymnastics performances. He went to Matthew’s baseball games, football games and rugby matches--even driving out to Pittsburgh when Matt made the IL State Rugby Team--to cheer his grandson on. It also provided John’s brother Robert, Joan and Robert Jr. and Anne McDermott to enjoy getting time with their nephew and great nephew.

John’s interests in supporting and positively promoting the qualities of the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Corps League found a great camaraderie in Detachment #80 (Arlington Heights). John served in many voluntary positions within the Detachment. John loved The Corps and MCL Detachment #80.

John met his wife Virginia in Ardmore while working at a Drug Store on weekends and during the summers. Virginia would order ice cream and request it be delivered by John, whom she fancied in hopes he would invite her on a date. She was successful and they were married after John’s return from serving in the South Pacific in the 5th Amphibious Corps, USMC. Married on December 28, 1946, they enjoyed 70 years of marriage before Virginia’s passing in 2016.

His Catholic faith was always a cornerstone of this faithful servant. Graduating early from West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, the Christian Brothers education and practitioner-based faith training set John’s heart on the right mission. John and Virginia would volunteer at St John Neumann’s Shrine for many decades. When John would meet someone in severe need or distress, he would share a relic of St John Neumann with them. During John's last visit with John Jr. and daughter-in-law Kathy, he held a First-Degree Relic of St John Neumann as the family said prayers together.

John is survived by his son John F. (Kathy) McDermott, Jr.; his grandchildren John "Jack" McDermott, III and Matthew Frederick McDermott he was also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his spouse of 70 years Virginia McDermott (nee Butera); his parents as well as his brothers James (late Mildred) McDermott and Robert (late Joan) McDermott.

Visitation Friday, December 11, 2020 from 4:00 pm until time of Funeral Mass at 5:00 pm at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004 ((capacity limits, PPE requirements and social distancing in effect) Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Northwest Suburban Marine Corps League Detachment #80 P.O. Box 983 Arlington Heights, IL 60006

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.