Joseph R. McDermott

He was born on September 24, 1934 in Alexandria, VA.

He was preceded in death by his son Michael and is survived by his wife Janet, married 64 years, children Kathy (John), Jim (Lisa), Mary (Scott), Megan (Jim), grandchildren Kevin, Matthew, Brianna, Aaron (Janna), Maura, Julia, Andre, and Ellen.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 4th 3:00 - 7:00 PM. at Murphy’s Funeral Home in Arlington, Va.

Funeral mass will be on Friday, December 5th at 11 AM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Arlington , VA.

Private Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alexandria, Va.

Reception at the Knights of Columbus in Arlington, VA at 3pm on December 5th.

Joe was a kind, humble, and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother in law, and friend. He had a servant’s heart and was always putting others first in all his endeavors.

Dad served his country with two years active duty and then reserve service; started as a clerk typist and then chauffeured for three different colonels.

After leaving the Army, he began a long career with IBM in the Washington metropolitan area, retiring from the federal systems division in 1993.

He loved to spend time with family, go on family vacations to the beach and have family dinners.

He was a DIY guy before it was popular; building sheds, tree forts, and workshops.

Joe was a master gardener and enjoyed tending to trees, plants and flowers; and growing fruits and vegetables in his yard.

He was an avid hiker on the Appalachian Trail and logged many hours hiking with his son Jim, daughter Kathy and good friends.

He enjoyed spending time at hunting camp in Woodstock, Va with his son Jim and friends.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus EDW council and on the waiters team; one of the original red coats!

He was a huge civil war buff and loved sharing stories with anyone who was eager to listen. He read, attended classes, and visited historical sites. He loved the Old Dominion and its rich history; most people would say he was a true Virginia gentleman.

Dad was an active member at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington for many years, where he served as a Eucharistic minister. Dad and Mom had lifelong friends from the Catholic Club of Georgetown (where he and Mom met) and the Christian Family Movement (CFM). Later, it was Missionhurst in Arlington where friends surrounded them with love and support.

He was active with the Boy Scouts when his two sons, Michael and Jim were in Troop 111. They went on many hiking and camping adventures.

In the fall, he enjoyed making apple butter from a family recipe.

In the spring, he would make his famous Irish coffee for St. Patrick’s day.

In summer, it was home made ice cream, yes, hand cranked. “If you don’t turn, you don’t get ice cream!”

Dad always made time for you and when you came to visit you were always greeted with a warm smile and big hug. Everyone that knew Dad loved him! He just had that effect on all!

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Virginia Hospital Center Health Foundation: https://vhchealthfoundation.org/give/