John McDermott

John McDermott passed away on Nov. 9, 2012, at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif.

John was born at Skiff Memorial Hospital in Newton Iowa Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 1950. He was the twin brother of Ron, although no one who ever saw them together would have guessed that they were brothers let alone twins! Johnny was the adventurous one who never met a stranger and as a boy always had lots of friends.  His personality and charisma served him throughout his personal and professional life.

Following his graduation from Newton High School and DMACC in Des Moines, Iowa, John set out for the “California Dreaming” experience of the ’60s and found the adventure he had been seeking. I think for all of us that loved him most, we will remember the twinkle in his eye, his mischievous grin, and his sense of humor. John could be counted on to bring an abundance of wit, personality, and laughter to any table.  He will be missed but never forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Virginia McDermott of Newton, Iowa. He is survived by his girlfriend of many years, Denise Dipalma of Newport Beach, Calif.; son Skylar McDermott of Palm Springs, Calif.; daughter Jenny McDermott of San Diego, Calif.; brothers Larry McDermott of Montgomery, Texas, and Ron McDermott of Newton, Iowa; sister Marvene Funnell of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and countless cousins, nephews and nieces.