Michael McDermott

GENEVA - Michael Patrick McDermott, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 after a challenging and courageous 4-year battle with cancer.

Mike is survived by his wife Arlene (Fospero); their two children, William and Brett; siblings: William (Patti), Teresa (Russell) Tuttle, and Nancy (David) Grooms; grandchildren: Marley and Luca; many nieces and nephews; and many colleagues and friends.

Mike was predeceased by his parents William and Jean.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday (October 8) from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home, 181 N. Main St., Geneva, N.Y.

A family prayer service will be held on Wednesday (October 9) at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, 48 Pulteney St., Geneva, N.Y. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lipson Cancer Institute and Wilmot Cancer Center .

Mike lived life to the fullest and will be fondly remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He was a beloved soul who touched many lives. Even while going through his own battle with cancer, he always made sure to put others first and ask, "don't worry about me, how are you?"

Mike was born January 25, 1951, in Geneva, N.Y. and attended Geneva Schools. He was a graduate of Geneva High School and went on to graduate from FLCC and play baseball at SUNY Brockport. After college, Mike played semi-professional baseball in Kitchener, Ontario and participated in many Recreational softball leagues. He also spent many days at Seneca Lake and Geneva Country Club where he excelled in golf. Mike enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1972 and was discharged in 1978. He worked as an Ontario County Sheriff for 20 years and then went on to become Inspector at the Finger Lakes Racetrack in 2005 and later became a State Investigator for The NYS Gaming Commission. Mike was a member of the Geneva School Board and Geneva Planning Board and often volunteered in the Geneva community.

The McDermott family would like to thank the Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester and the Lipson Cancer Institute in Clifton Springs for their wonderful care and treating Dad like family. We are grateful for their kindness and guidance these past four years. In addition, we would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Clifton Springs Hospital for their compassion and care over the past few weeks. Also, to our many amazing friends for their visits, phone calls, conversation and friendships.

For tributes and condolences please visit www.devaneybennettfh.com.