George “Chick” McDermott, former Chief of Court Officers at the State House, died Friday at the Courtyard Nursing Care Center, Medford. He was 85.
Mr. McDermott was born and raised in Medford, the son of the late William and the late Bertha (Quinn) McDermott. Chick served in the Army during World War II. Upon his return to civilian life, he began work with the Transit Authority as a bus driver. His warm smile and concern for seniors earned him renown. In 1961 he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where served for one term. He then became a court officer at the State House and soon became Chief of Court Officers for the House of Representatives. He was also an active member of ITAM Post 8, Medford.
He was the beloved husband of the late Evelyn (Thomann). He was a devoted father of Jean Fleszar and her husband Eric of Reading, the late Paul J. McDermott. He was a loving grandfather to Kirsten Centrella, her husband Rick of Medford and loving great-grandfather of Hailee. He was the brother of the late Frederick, Arthur, Robert McDermott, Alice Reardon, Eleanor Byington.
Friends and relatives may call Tuesday from 4 - 8 at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in St. Joseph Church, Medford, Wednesday at 9 AM. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.