Paul C. McDermott

1940 - 2026

OBITUARY

Paul C. McDermott, born in 1940, grew up in Garden City Park, New York, the eldest of three children, with his sisters Rosemary and Patricia. His mother was a teacher at Holy Spirit Catholic Grammar School, and the values of faith, family, service, and responsibility that surrounded his early life remained central to him throughout the years.

Shortly after high school, Paul was drafted into the United States Army. He served two tours in Vietnam, including service as a helicopter gunner with the First Air Cavalry, and was also stationed in Germany. Although he was injured during his service in Vietnam, his love of country and desire to serve never diminished. He continued his military commitment through many years in the Army Reserve, including service with the 77th Reserve Command at Fort Totten, and was recalled to duty during the Persian Gulf/Desert Storm era. His military service was an important and enduring part of his life.

Paul married Maryann Coveney of New Hyde Park. While stationed in Atlanta, Georgia, they welcomed their first son, Michael. They later settled in New Hyde Park, where their sons Matthew, Joseph, and Stephen were born and raised. Paul and Maryann built a life centered on their family, and in later years they especially treasured time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Maryann's death approximately seven months before Paul's was a profound loss after a lifetime shared together.

Paul worked for the Town of North Hempstead Highway Department and was an active member of the American Legion. He also generously gave his time to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Nassau County. After his children were grown, Paul retired and relocated to Glen Cove, where his commitment to faith and community continued through his service as a lector and usher at St. Patrick's Church.

Paul also had a thoughtful and creative side. He studied writing at New York Institute of Technology and wrote short stories, novels, and poetry. His experiences in military service, and particularly the memories he carried from Vietnam, deeply influenced his writing. A newspaper article about Paul described how later conflicts brought those memories back to him and inspired him to put his reflections into words. His writing offered a glimpse into the compassion, memory, patriotism, and humanity of a man who had experienced war firsthand.

Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maryann, and by his sons Matthew and Stephen. He leaves behind his sons Michael and Joseph; his daughters-in-law Denise, Elizabeth, Mary, and Lisa; his grandchildren Ryan, Paige, Tyler, Riley, Cynthia, and Olivia; and his great-grandchildren Sloane and Banks, the children of Ryan and Alana. He is also remembered by his sisters, Rosemary and Patricia, and by the extended family and friends whose lives he touched.

Paul and Maryann loved traveling and, above all, being surrounded by their family. He will be remembered for his devotion to Maryann, his love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, his faith, his service to his country and community, and the quiet strength and thoughtfulness he brought to those around him.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, September 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

VISITATION

Thursday, September 17 4:00 - 8:00 PM

New Hyde Park Funeral Home 506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

Friday, September 18 9:30 AM Holy Spirit R.C. Church 500 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY

PRIVATE CREMATION

Long Island Cremation Company 91 Eads Street, West Babylon, NY