Michael McDermott

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Thomas McDermott on October 29, 2025 in New City, NY. He was 86. His wife, Kathryn Ambrey McDermott, predeceased him in 2020.

Mike was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, neighbor, and friend. He was born on October 30, 1938 in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Michael Joseph McDermott and Margaret Beasty McDermott. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Margaret Cannisi.

Mike grew up in Nyack, New York, graduating from Nyack High School in 1956 where he was an accomplished basketball player, winning championships and even playing against the Harlem Globetrotters. He loved the game and followed it his whole life, rooting for the Knicks and attending many games with his son-in-law, Tim. He was also a devoted Yankee fan, attending games with his son, Michael.

Growing up, Mike “worked the nets,” fishing shad on the Hudson alongside his father out of Petersen’s boat yard. He had a deep love for the river all his life. As a young man, Mike became involved with the Nyack Jaycees and participated in many civic activities in Nyack, including bringing the Fourth of July fireworks to town and organizing visits from Santa and holiday lights contests.

In 1960, he married the love of his life, Kathryn Ambrey, and they were married for 59 years. They moved from Nyack to Stony Point in 1965. Together they raised a family, were involved in many community organizations, hosted numerous family events, enjoyed long friendships, and traveled widely. When Kathryn became ill in later life, Mike cared for her with unwavering devotion.

While raising a young family and starting his career, Mike earned an associate’s degree in electrical engineering from Rockland Community College and later earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Dominican College.

In the 1970s and 1980s Mike was very active in the Stony Point Little League, coaching teams and volunteering countless hours to develop the talents and character of local youth. He also served as treasurer and president of the SPLL and was very proud of the work he did to make the “new” fields at Turkey Hollow a reality.

Mike worked for Orange and Rockland Utilities for 40 years, retiring in 1998. He began his career as a meter department andined the overhead line department, went on to establish and supervise the underground line department, and ended his career as Superintendent of the Blooming Grove, NY office.

In their retirement, Mike and Kathy enjoyed visiting with family and friends, spoiling their grandchildren, and traveling in the US and Europe.

Mike was known for his warm and welcoming personality and his love for life. He loved people and looked forward to family events, trips, and outings, as well as lunches and dinners with friends. He loved to share stories and jokes and to laugh with others. He was known for sharing his wisdom and witticisms. He loved travel and was always up for an adventure, big or small. He was devoted to his family, friends, and neighbors and was always ready to help them in any way he could. He will be greatly missed.

Mike is survived by his daughter Nancy Surridge and her husband Tim, and their son Matthew, and by his son Michael and his wife Tracy and their daughters Harper and Lily. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Rosemary Ambrey, his niece Carolyn Ambrey and his nephew Thomas Ambrey. He leaves behind many great friends, including his companion, Judy Sillis.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the wonderful, caring staff at Sunrise Senior Living in New City, NY, and to United Hospice. Their warm & devoted care of Mike will always be remembered.

A Memorial Service for Mike will be held on Friday, November 7th , 2025 at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY.

Friends and Family may visit with the family from 9am-10am, and then attend the Memorial Service starting at 10am. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nyack, NY. A repast luncheon will follow at La Terrazza in New City.

Floral gifts can be arranged through Bassett Flowers in New City, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to United Hospice of Rockland or the Dementia Society of America.