William J. McDermott

McDERMOTT, WILLIAM J., 79 - passionate environmentalist of Marmora, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2006 in Shore Memorial Hospital, Somers Point. Born in Philadelphia, PA on April 30, 1927, he was the oldest son of Nora Elizabeth and William McDermott. Mr. McDermott was employed by New Jersey Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a salesman for many years before his retirement in 1977. He was awarded the Distinguished Salesman Award. In his retirement years he was a passionate advocate for environmental causes. He worked for many years as a volunteer for the endangered and non game species program, helping with his beloved bald eagles. He was also Editor of the Friends of Endangered and Non Game Wildlife newsletter. He worked tirelessly to ensure the protection of the shore birds and did many educational talks across the area. Bill was also the founder of the Get Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs fishing tournament for the fifth grade students in Upper Township. He is well known for his regular column he wrote for the Gazette, "Whispers from the Woods." He also established the Ecumenical Food Cupboard in Ocean City. Mr. McDermott was named Senior of the Year for 1999 by the Cape May County Department of Aging. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Zegers Council. He enjoyed watching his beloved grandchildren playing many sports through the years. He was always a dedicated fan on the sidelines. He leaves behind his wife and dedicated partner, Eleanor; his six children, Kathy Robinson and her husband Jack of Millville, Maureen Scarpa and her husband Bruce of Vineland, Sheila Mitchell and her husband David of Millville, Eleanor Hulitt and her husband Dave of Millville, a son, Sean and his wife Holly of Palm Coast, FL, daughter, Amy Lynch and her husband Terry of Kings Park, NY; a brother, Robert McDermott and his wife Frances of Philadelphia, PA; and sister-in-law, Helen McDermott; and was predeceased by his brother, Joseph of Havertown, PA. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Kelly Davis, Courtney Craig, Megan Harris, Captain Rick Robinson, Colleen Kelley, Sarah Mitchell, Kevin Mitchell, Vaughn Hulitt, Scott Mitchell, Mikayla and Shane McDermott; seven loving great grandchildren, Alyssa, Madison, Bailey, Scotty, Declan, Brad and John. A Mass of Resurrection will be offered Saturday morning at 11 o'clock from the Church of the Resurrection, 200 West Tuckahoe Road, Marmora, where friends may call from nine o'clock until time of Mass. Burial will follow Mass in Head of the River Cemetery, Estell Manor. The family suggests those who desire send memorial contributions to either Church of the Resurrection, Capital Campaign, Marmora, NJ 08223 or Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, PO Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625. To email condolences, visit: www.godfreyfuneralhome.com