"Jack" John Joseph McDermott

John J. "Jack" McDermott, devoted husband, father, grandfather, naval officer, distinguished attorney, and lifelong New Yorker, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Sarasota, FL at the age of 97.

Born on February 3, 1929, in New York, NY, Jack was the son of John Joseph McDermott and Ethel (née Brutton) of New York City. In his early years, his family moved between New York and New Jersey before settling on the Grand Concourse in The Bronx during the height of the Great Depression, an era that shaped his resilience, toughness, discipline and deep-rooted work ethic.

Jack was educated entirely in the Jesuit tradition, attending Fordham Grammar School, Fordham Preparatory School, Fordham University, and Fordham Law School. A gifted and competitive athlete, he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football throughout his schooling. At Fordham University, he played running back for the football team and was coached by the legendary Vince Lombardi, an influence that reinforced Jack's lifelong belief in preparation, integrity and teamwork.

Following law school, Jack answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Navy. He graduated from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and was assigned to the heavy cruiser USS Des Moines during the Korean War. His naval service took him throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, with Beirut, Lebanon - then known as the "Riviera of the Middle East" - serving as his home port. His time in uniform remained one of his proudest chapters.

After completing his service, Jack returned to the legal profession, beginning his career at Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett, one of the nation's most esteemed law firms. He found his calling in Trusts and Estates law, where his polished demeanor, meticulous preparation, and genuine care for clients distinguished him.

Over a remarkable career spanning more than 55 years, he served at Shea & Gould, Windels, Marx, Davies & Ives, and concluded his practice in 2015 at Holland & Knight, retiring at the extraordinary age of 86. Many of his clients remained with him for decades, a testament not only to his legal acumen but to his loyalty and character.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jack was deeply committed to civic and charitable work. He worked tirelessly with numerous philanthropic organizations, most notably leading efforts to build city parks for underprivileged children on Manhattan's Upper East Side, projects that reflected his quiet but steadfast dedication to community.

One of Jack's greatest passions was the New York Athletic Club. At the time of his passing, he was the longest actively serving member, marking an extraordinary 80 years of membership. He served on countless committees, held numerous volunteer roles, and ultimately rose to serve as President from 1985-1987.

Together with his beloved wife Jean, he could be found year-round at Travers Island in Pelham Manor or at the City House on Central Park South - playing tennis and platform tennis, swimming, working out, dining, and most memorably, holding court with friends as he told stories and delivered his endless repertoire of jokes. In many ways, the NYAC was the center of his social world and he cherished it until the very end.

Above all, Jack was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean (née Flowers); his son Stephen and daughter-in-law Alyscia, and their children Callan and Jackson; and his son Keith and his partner Christine Despres. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Joan and Aileen.

Jack's life was defined by faith, service, discipline, humor, and loyalty. He lived nearly a century not simply in years, but in impact - on his family, his profession, his community, and the countless friendships he cultivated over a lifetime.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.