Charles J. McDermott

Charles J. McDermott passed away June 4, 2013 at home, surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born in Youngstown, Ohio to Agnes and Peter McDermott on November 5, 1936, and was a graduate of Ursuline High School, Youngstown State University and the University of Akron. He was a lifelong educator and administrator at Bloomfield, Tallmadge, and Cuyahoga Falls City Schools. After retiring from public education, Chuck became associate principal at his beloved Archbishop Hoban High School. The students described him as “Firm, Fair, and Friendly”.

One of Chuck’s biggest passions in life was athletics. He was a high school and college basketball official for 32 years, and was widely regarded as one of the best officials in the state by both his peers and basketball coaches. On one occasion, coaches requested that a game be rescheduled to allow Chuck to officiate. He was chosen several times to officiate the OHSAA State Tournament games. He was a member and past president of the Greater Akron Basketball Officials Association. He was also the “Voice of the Lady Knights” at Hoban High School.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Rosalie; parents; and brother, Peter. “Lucky Chuckie”, as he was known by those close to him, will be dearly missed by his three children, Peter of Akron, Marianne (Gilbert) Gradisar of Columbus, and Tami (David) Folk. He was cherished by his six grandchildren, Sean McDermott, Jack, Nick and Kate Folk, and Anna Rose and Alexander Gradisar. He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen (Stuart) Rothman; and two brothers, Tom (Margaret) and Robert (Nancy) McDermott. He will be always remembered by countless friends, colleagues and his Hoban Family. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Louise Helwig, Yvonne and the AseraCare Hospice Team for their superb care and support. Special thanks is also extended to Joe, Tori, Cathy and Mary of Senior Helpers. Finally, our family would like to thank Dr. Mahesh and Dr. D.J. Chua for their guidance over the past two years.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, 10 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2603 Benton Street, Akron, Ohio 44312, with Father Michael Williamson presiding. Procession will originate at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call Friday, 4 to 8 p.m., at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312. The family suggests memorials to the Archbishop Hoban High School McDermott Family Scholarship Fund, One Holy Cross Blvd., Akron, OH 44306; or St. Matthew Parish School, 2603 Benton Street, Akron, OH 44312. In closing, “Go Hoban Knights, Win State!”