John J. “Jack” McDermott, 88, of Sea Girt, NJ, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

Jack was born in Jersey City, NJ, the eldest son to the late John J. McDermott and Elizabeth (Norton) McDermott. The family moved to North Arlington, NJ, where Jack grew up with his brother and sisters. Jack is survived by sisters Betty Ann Cross and Eileen Stepnowski, brother-in-law Terry Hayes and sister-in-law Mary Jeanne McDermott. He is predeceased by sister Janet Hayes and brother George McDermott and brothers-in-law Rick Cross and Vinny Stepnowski.

Jack served in the U.S. Army and after his tour of duty he went on to have a very successful career in sales with Testor Corp and Avery Label Company, where he retired. Jack was very proud of his success and never minded going to work. He considered himself “the idea guy” while at work.

After his time in the Army he met his soon to be wife, Margaret (Caron) McDermott, Belleville NJ, at a singing club for young adults. They dated and married in April 1958. They started a family and eventually moved to Hazlet, NJ, where they raised their children. Jack and Margaret retired to Sea Girt, NJ.

Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife Margaret after 61 years of marriage. Jack recently said,“Margaret was my hero and we were in love forever!” They enjoyed traveling the world and fun quality time with their wonderful friends. They especially loved being outside on their back deck as it was a well known stage for singing with their friends.

Surviving are their devoted children and spouses, Peggy Houseman & Andrew Folchetti, Punta Gorda, FL, John & Allmond McDermott, Ocean Pines, MD, Nancy McDermott & Ray Ringen, Cream Ridge, NJ, and Mary & John Evans, Willow Spring, NC. Jack & Margaret were very proud of their grandchildren, Caron Watson (husband Jay), Matthew Watson (wife Megan), Daniel Watson, Jake Evans, Shannon Evans, Kyle McDermott, and Joey McDermott. They went to many games, recitals, activities and graduations of theirs. Their great grandchildren Nolan, Brody and Skylar brought so much joy to their lives. Jack had a healthy pride in his family!

Jack was very fond of Susan Wright as they enjoyed going to Mass and having a bagel at the inlet, going to shows and family parties. Susan really helped Jack near the end with being there by his side and offering her retired nurse support and knowledge.

Jack was a member of SPEBSQSA for over 50 years and was a singer in numerous quartets and choruses. He also enjoyed coaching many groups and being a judge too. He found singing for audiences to be both thrilling and delightful! He liked rehearsing but loved performing on stage. He would like you to know he was in a chorus that was in the Top 10 World Champions three times! Jack made many, many life long friends who were also involved in SPEBSQSA. A favorite evening for him was performing in a chorus show and then followed by the infamous “Afterglow,” the party after the show for all who were on stage and their spouses.

Jack was involved with Manasquan Elks Lodge #2534 and a Communicant of St. Denis Church, Manasquan, NJ. He liked being with people and was eager to be with friends and hear good stories. If you were lucky he might share a little bit of advice!! Jack loved the NY Giants and loved hating them - win or lose, “they are difficult to watch!”. He watched many games with friends, snacks and a beer. He loved playing golf, watching on tv and sharing a day on the course with friends and family. He also enjoyed years of playing tennis with friends. Jack loved his buddy “Murray” his lawnmower! He always took great care in having his lawn look beautiful even up till recently when he was having some difficulty walking, he was still outside riding around. He had a partner outside with him week after week taking care of the landscaping, he lovingly called her “Bruno,” his wife Margaret. She loved her nickname while working outside.

Jack leaves behind many Barbershop friends, neighbors, lifelong friends, cousins and many nieces and nephews. They all knew when he was in the room!

Visitation will be on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:00am in Our Lady Star of the Sea Beach Chapel, 554 East Main St., Manasquan, NJ 08736. Entombment in St. Catharine’s Cemetery, Sea Girt.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of John J. McDermott hosted by O'Brien Funeral Home.