John L. McDermott

Seneca Falls, NY July 17, 2026 Age 85

John L. McDermott, 85, lifelong resident of Seneca Falls, passed in the early morning hours at Huntington Living Center in Waterloo, on Friday, July 17th, 2026.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 23rd at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick's Church, 97 West Bayard St., Seneca Falls. Interment will follow in St. Columbkille Cemetery. Donations in John's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.

John was born in Seneca Falls, son of the late Raymond and Mary (DeSanto) McDermott. He graduated from Mynderse Academy, Class of 1959. A few years after graduating, on July 4, 1964, he was united in marriage with Annette Carnevale at St. Patrick's Church.

Over the years, John worked for several Seneca Falls businesses; most notable were Al Andrews Gas Station, Sylvania, the foundry at Goulds Pumps, and for 28 years he worked for the Local 60 Iron Workers Union out of Syracuse before finally retiring. In addition, John was a staple at Antonina's, his wife Annette's family restaurant, located on Bridge St. in Seneca Falls. The couple ran the restaurant for 37 years, retiring in 2014. Every year on St. Patrick's Day, John would take over the restaurant, and it would become McDermott's, a great place to have a drink and celebrate the Irish holiday.

Outside of work, John was a longtime member of the Seneca Falls Elks Lodge 992, the Sons of the American Legion, the SMS, and was especially proud of being a founding member of the Eliminators Car Club. John was a lifelong fan of classic cars. He also enjoyed his camping trips to Canada and was an excellent cook, known for his venison dishes.

John was known well around town for his love of euchre. Chances are if there was a game, tournament, or euchre league going on, John was a part of it in some fashion.

John is survived by his bride of 62 years, Annette; sons, John (Andrea Lawrence) and Chad (Christine) McDermott; granddaughters, Lauren and Danielle McDermott; brothers, Ray and Robert McDermott; sister, Helen Wanner; brother-in-law, David Traub; several nieces and nephews, extended family, and many friends he made over his lifetime. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brothers, James (Carol) McDermott, David McDermott; sisters, Mary Rose Traub, Margaret Mary McDermott; and sister-in-law, Debra McDermott.