Edward S. McDermott

Edward S. McDermott of West Chester Edward S. McDermott, 67, died November 4, 2011, in Silver Spring, MD., of complications from dementia. Born March 11, 1944 to Catherine and Daniel McDermott, Edward is survived by his daughter, Christa McDermott. He graduated from Father Judge High School in Philadelphia. Ed proudly served in the Air Force, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam. He relished time outdoors, fishing for trout, hunting, and floating in his canoe. He and his wife, Lorraine, started their own business, making balloon decorations for special occasions. Ed enjoyed his roles as Up With Balloons' chief clown, magician, and engineer. When not clowning around, Ed helped people in times of technological despair, repairing computer systems for more than 30 years, primarily with Siemens-Nixdorf. A devoted father, husband, and friend, Ed's steadfastness and comic relief will be missed. He is also survived by his sister, Kay Bellis (John) and brother, Francis (Bridget); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine McDermott, his sister, Mary Ann Petrella, and brothers Joseph, Daniel, Michael, and Richard. Relatives and friends are invited to a service commemorating his life at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, at Trattoria Giuseppe, 4799 West Chester Pike, Edgemont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (www.patrout.org) and to Outward Bound of Philadelphia (www.outwardbound.org).