Mark E. Mcdermott

McDERMOTT—Mark E. McDermott of New York City died peacefully on the evening of November 26, 2019, at Calvary Hospital in New York. A loving partner of 32 years to Guy Schwartz, whom he married in 2014, Mark will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, his unflashy generosity, and his steadfast loyalty to family and friends.

Born in Norristown, PA, on June 3, 1949, to Gerald E. McDermott and Margaret M. Hayes, Mark was the second of their six children. While attending Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, he took a job at the local Pantry Pride; with his older brother having enlisted in the navy and his father away for long and unpredictable stretches of time, Mark supported his family with the paycheck and groceries he brought home each week.

A graduate of Villanova University (BA) and of Temple University (MBA), Mark was working for Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. in Allentown when, on Labor Day 1987, he met Guy, who later would become the librarian at St. Bernard’s School, a position he still holds. Their relationship took Mark to New York in 1989, where he worked for a series of institutions, most recently serving as the Director of Alternative Investment Services at the Bank of New York Mellon.

A talented athlete, Mark was an avid runner, who completed several marathons and other races in New York and Philadelphia. He loved bicycling and skiing, until rheumatoid arthritis put an end to these passions. A devoted reader of The New York Times, he also devoured books from a wide array of genres, with mysteries being a particular favorite. He took full advantage of New York’s rich cultural life, relishing visits to the city’s theatres and museums. After retiring in 2011, Mark relished the chance to plan and enjoy international trips with Guy and with their friends, including Guy’s colleagues from St. Bernard’s, whose stories about school life Mark mostly tolerated and whose lasting affection he fully enjoyed.

Predeceased by his parents, Mark is survived by his husband; his five siblings, Gerald, Elizabeth, Michael, James, and Peggy, and their families; his step-father, Jonathan M. Jones, and step-siblings, Peter and Richard. Friends may call at Peter Nagle’s funeral home at 352 East 87th Street from 4–9pm on Tuesday, December 3. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Ignatius Loyola in January.