George Francis McDermott

George Francis McDermott of Fullerton, CA passed away August 1, 2025. He was 85 years old. George was born on August 7,1939 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late James P and Margaretta (Mullen) McDermott. He was the second of 8 children. George was born, raised and educated in the Roman Catholic faith and lived his life accordingly. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and was on active duty at Fort Knox for 6 months. After that, he attended Duquesne University for a year before moving to Riverside, CA where he worked for Kaiser Steel Corp in Fontana for 30 years and then managed a family-owned restaurant in Los Angeles for 10 years. For many years, he worked as a high school and small college official in football, basketball and baseball. In 1963, he married Constance Barnett from Pittsburgh, and they had three daughters, Maureen, Shannon and Mary Bridget. He loved his children. They talk today about how he paid attention to them and took them out for ice cream cones and many treats. He left them with many memories and was a good example to them on the importance of being good to others. George and Constance later divorced, and she preceded him in death, as did his older sister Kathleen Groninger. In addition to his daughters, he is survived by his partner of 25 years, Kathleen Jones, his grandson Matthew George Nazar, his sisters Monica Canchola (Dan) and Susan McDermott (Jorge Ruiz Valdepena), his brothers Colin, James (Laura), Sean (Cookie) and Rory (Laura) McDermott, Kathleen's son George McCarthy (Darcee), grandchildren Charley and Ella and many nieces and nephews. George loved sports as indicated by his officiating. He loved the water, swimming and boating, his yearly trips to Maui with Kathleen, sitting on the beach and watching the bright sunset. He loved his family and most dearly his life partner, Kathleen Jones.

Pallbearers

Charley McCarthy (Grandson) Matthew George Nazar (Grandson)

George McCarthy (Honorary Son) James (Huff) McDermott (Brother)

Sean McDermott (Brother) Kevin McDermott (Nephew)

John Canchola (Nephew) Jorge Ruiz-Valdepena (Brother-in-law)

Honorary Pallbearers

Colin McDermott (Brother) Rory McDermott (Brother)

Dan Canchola (Brother-in-law)

Guestbook

Ella McCarthy (Granddaughter) Allison Beard (Honorary Granddaughter)

Priest performing the service on Wednesday, September 3rd:

Fr. Sebastian Mulu, OSM from St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Fullerton (George and Kathleen’s Parish)

In lieu of flowers, please consider to donate to "ZERO Prostate Cancer”.

There will be a public reception to follow immediately after the graveside service at

The DoubleTree Hotel

7320 Greenleaf Ave

Whittier, CA 90602