Lawrence McDermott

Lawrence (“Larry”) James McDermott, Jr. of Philadelphia, 83, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from long-term complications due to a traumatic brain injury.

Born to Lawrence J. and Margaret (Cannon) on February 4, 1942, Larry was a graduate of St. John Neumann High School in South Philadelphia, Villanova University, Temple University Law School, and the Psychoanalytic School of Philadelphia. After earning his Bachelor of Science from Villanova, Larry taught high school physics briefly before working as an engineer and pursuing his JD at night for six years at Temple. Larry put his law degree to use for Wyeth-Ayerst/American Home Products, eventually working his way up to Vice President of Licensing. In mid-life, Larry returned to school once more to pursue a certificate in psychoanalysis. After retirement from Wyeth/American Home, Larry became a successful pharmaceutical licensing consultant.

An avid film buff and basketball fan, Larry loved watching movies and basketball games with his wife Marguerite (Peggy). They frequently could be found in a movie theater or at a Villanova game. They also loved the Jersey shore, which they visited every summer for the better part of their lives, and traveling, especially to Paris, where they lived part time for two decades.

Larry will be remembered for his dedication to his family and his work, his deep and expansive mind, his wry sense of humor, his engaging storytelling, and his boundless kindness. 

Larry was pre-deceased by his loving wife of fifty-seven years Peggy, by his sister, Sr. Maureen McDermott, IHM, and by his brother-in-law Thomas Haines. Larry is survived by his sons Lawrence (Alyona Simikina) and Brian (Jessica Gilpert), and by his daughter Mary (Shelton Henderson), as well as by his grandchildren, the three youngest being Faelan, Ronan, and Eva. He is also survived by his sister Patrice Haines (the late Thomas) and her son Thomas (Aldona), sisters-in-law, Kate and Beth (Mary Moran), and brothers-in-law Michael (Cris Cavalieri), John (Regina), and James (Janice). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews.

A private memorial will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Project HOME (1515 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130), Doctors Without Borders, or UNICEF.