PAUL F. MCDERMOTT

McDERMOTT, Paul F. Age 85, of Wellesley Hills, MA, formerly of Hyde Park, MA, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2022 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife Betsy and their children, Michael and his wife Tracy; Suzanne, and Sam and his wife Blake; his five grandchildren, Kate, Carly, Stella, Charlie, and Gus (who affectionately knew him as their "Pop"); and his sister Peg Wood. Predeceased by his siblings Jeannie, Brian and Richard McDermott. He was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to the love of his life for 58 years and was immensely proud of his children. He will be remembered as a deeply loyal man whose family was most important to him. He had an avid curiosity about, and interest in, people which made him a spirited storyteller and the best friend to many from diverse backgrounds. He loved coaching CYO basketball, playing golf, fishing, and was a lifelong fan of the Red Sox and the Celtics. He wasn't a usual person. He also was a quiet feminist who found joy in The Metropolitan Opera House, Lacoste, the beret (not lined), and the dachshund. Paul set an example with his work ethic, often proudly recounting his first job as a pin boy at a bowling alley at six years old, and he retired in 2006 as a sales executive at Ford Motor Company. He treated everyone in an unpretentious manner and was drawn to the underdog. He was gifted with an inner moral compass, fairness mattered always. Paul was never afraid to go his own way. He was Irish. The family is forever grateful for the loving care he received by the caregivers from Good Shepherd Community Care and the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA A family mass will be held next week at St. John the Evangelist Church in Wellesley, MA, and a memorial mass and celebration will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Nativity Preparatory School (https://www.nativityboston.org/ways-to-give/) and Dana Farber Cancer Institute (https://www.dana-farber.org). Henry J. Burke & Sons BurkeFamilyFuneralHomes.com