Edward L. McDermott

Edward Lee McDermott of Plymouth passed away peacefully on June 29th, at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband, best friend and lover of his wife Marge of 63 years; grateful and loving father of sons Edward Jr. of Duxbury and Stephen of Quincy; proud father-in-law of Carol and Annmarie; adoring Pop-Pop of Emily, Jeffrey, Kelly and Kevin.

Ed grew up in Brighton and graduated from Boston College. After graduation, he proudly served as a Naval Officer. Following his military career, he was a Sales Executive for a medical equipment company and later, he and Marge started and ran the successful McDermott Insurance Agency in Quincy for 25 years. As a local businessman in Quincy, he carried the McDermott name with pride through his work. But it wasn’t just his professional life that left a mark…it was the way he treated others, with dignity, kindness, and always a twinkle in his eye.

Ed had many wonderful friends. He was the kind of man who remembered your name, your story, your worries and gave you his time, his ear, and his heart. He lived with a quiet faith, a philosophical soul, and a capacity for compassion that made you feel lighter, stronger, more hopeful after every conversation. Ed was a faithful friend of Bill W. 

He had a deep love for all things Irish. It was a love that wasn’t just cultural, it was soulful. His efforts in bringing Irish tenor John McDermott to American audiences were just one expression of that devotion. Through music, stories and heritage, he kept the Irish spirit alive in our family and our community.

Above all, Ed was a family man. He was more than just the patriarch of a proud family. He was a presence…steady, thoughtful, and wise.

He is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary; brothers John, James, William, Charles, Francis, Joseph; sisters Mary Elizabeth, Kay and his twin Jane; sisters in law Phyllis, Marie, Alice, Patricia, Theresa; brothers in law Albert and Paul. He is survived by sister in law Inez McDermott and many adoring nephews and nieces who all believed that they were his favorite!