Father Patrick Manus McDermott

Fr. Patrick McDermott, age 77, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2017. He was a resident of Biloxi, Mississippi and late resident of Edeninfagh, Glenties, Donegal, Ireland. He was the son of the late Con and Frances McDermott and brother of the late Con, Jim and Gerard McDermott. Fr. McDermott attended the local primary school where his father Con was Principal teacher. He later attended St. Eunan's High School in Letterkenny, Donegal. Later he attended St. John's College in Waterford, Ireland where he was ordained on June 14, 1964. He arrived in Mississippi in September 1964 where he was assigned as assistant pastor of Nativity BVM Parish, Biloxi. He also served as assistant pastor in St. Elizabeth parish in Clarksdale and St. James Parish in Gulfport. His assignments as Pastor included St. James Parish in Gulfport, Our Lady of Victories Parish in Pascagoula, Sacred Heart Parish in D'Iberville and a second stint as pastor in Our Lady of Victories Parish in Pascagoula where he served until his retirement in 2010. He then resided in Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Biloxi. Fr. McDermott never lost his love for his native country and he returned to Ireland every year for a summer vacation. He was a wonderful family man and every member of his family visited him in Mississippi over the years. His parents, Con and Frances came on visits many times and they loved the American way of life where they enjoyed the hospitality of the people of Mississippi. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed all sports. He always held his interest in Irish football – a game he played himself to a very high standard before he came to Mississippi. Fr. McDermott is very deeply regretted by his brothers, Donal and Liam McDermott; his sister, Rosaleen Deery; and his brother in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and a large circle of friends. Also regretted by Bishop Kihneman, and priests of Biloxi diocese. Regretted also by Bishop McGuckian and priests of Diocese of Raphoe, Donegal, Ireland. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018 or to Notre Dame Hospice of Mississippi, 5407 Indian Hill Drive, Diamondhead, MS 39525. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Our Lady of Victories Church, Pascagoula on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 3pm. Friends may visit from 12-3pm. Fr. McDermott's remains will return to Ireland for interment. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.