Father Michael A. McDermott

Father Michael A. McDermott, most recently a resident of Vincentian Home in McCandless, PA, passed away on July 6, 2022, in his 86th year. After serving the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh for 56 years as a parish priest and chaplain, Father Mike has entered eternal life. 

Father Mike was born on Aug. 30, 1936, in McKees Rocks, PA, the son the late Bernard E. and Viola (Sossong) McDermott. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Bernard W. “Bill” McDermott, Patrick McDermott, Sister Jane McDermott, O.P., Viola Springer, Doris Boehm, and David McDermott. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Pike, and many nieces, nephews, former parishioners, fellow priests, and friends.

He graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1958 from St. Vincent College in Latrobe and a Master of Divinity degree at St. Vincent Seminary in 1966. Father Mike dedicated his life as a priest in service to parishioners and families in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  He was ordained on May 14, 1966, by Cardinal John J. Wright.

He served as parochial vicar at St. Pius V in McKeesport; at St. Colman in Turtle Creek; at St. Veronica in Ambridge; at St. Joseph in Coraopolis; at St. Clare of Assisi in Clairton; and later, at Word of God in Swissvale. Father Mike was pastor at St. Catherine of Sweden in Hampton Twp. serving there for nearly a decade where he so loved his ministry to parishioners.

He found his work as a chaplain a humbling and meaningful spiritual journey. He ministered as chaplain to the Knights of Columbus, West Penn Hospital, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Montefiore. Father Mike’s kind and gentle demeanor and spiritual wisdom was a gift to many individuals and families, those he served in parishes and those he comforted in grief and healing as a chaplain. He retired from active ministry in 2006. In this life, Father Mike enjoyed good company, a white tablecloth at dinner, and a satisfying meal.

Visitation will be at the SCHEPNER-McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC.,165 Noble Avenue, Crafton.  (412-921-3661) on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.  Bishop David A. Zubik will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at 10 a.m. at St. Philip Catholic Church, 50 W. Crafton Avenue, Crafton, PA 15205.  Final viewing will take place at the church on Wednesday morning one hour prior to Mass. Please go directly to the church on Wednesday morning. Interment will immediately follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in McKees Rocks.

As Father Mike would proclaim, “Blessings!” May he rest in peace.

If desired memorial contributions in Father Mike’s memory may be made to The Benevolent Care Fund-Vincentian Collaborative System 8250 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (www.vcfgives.org)