Edward John McDermott

Hampton – Edward John McDermott., 91, of Hampton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Ann C. (McCann) McDermott and they enjoyed over 63 wonderful years of marriage together. Ed was the devoted father of Ellen McDermott and her partner, Bridget Sciales of New York, N.Y., and Susan Waskelis and her husband, Todd of Hampton, N.H., and the proud grandfather of Hannah Waskelis, Alison Waskelis, and Clay Waskelis. He was predeceased by his daughter, Martha McDermott. Ed was born into a traditional Irish Catholic family in 1934, the son of Edward P. McDermott and Mary A. (Brennan) McDermott in Everett, MA. Ed was raised in Everett. He graduated from Boston College High School in 1952, Boston College (cum laude) in 1956 and Boston College Law School (cum laude) in 1963 earning him the unique distinction of “Triple Eagle”, which he carried through life proudly. He was an avid football fan, holding season tickets to his alma mater for over 30 years. He joined the United States Army and served as a military police officer in France from 1957 until 1959 followed by a tour in the Army Reserves earning an Honorable Discharge. After serving his Country, Ed joined the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). There he met his future brother-in-law, John McCann, who introduced him to his sister, Ann (Nan) McCann. In 1962 Ed and Nan were married in Concord, N.H. After his admission to the New Hampshire Bar Association in 1963. Ed began his legal career in Manchester, N.H. In 1965, Ed and Jack Sanders established Sanders & McDermott Attorneys at Law in Hampton, N.H. Ed specialized in Wills, Trusts and Estates serving his clients across the Seacoast area. He was involved in supporting The Odyssey House, a Hampton based non-profit that provided substance abuse services to NH youths, women and families for almost 4 decades. Of special interest to Ed was providing pro bono services to individuals who would have otherwise not had representation in civil matters. He believed that justice should not depend on one’s ability to pay, and he dedicated countless hours to providing compassionate legal support to those who might otherwise have gone unheard. Through his generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to fairness, he helped ensure that individuals facing life’s most difficult civil matters were treated with dignity and given a voice. In the late 1960’s, Ed was appointed as a Special Justice of the Hampton District Court by Governor John W. King. He held this position until he turned 70 years old in 2003. During his tenure, Ed received the extraordinary honor of being recommended for appointment to a seat on the Federal District Court in Concord, New Hampshire. While deeply honored by the nomination and the confidence it reflected in his abilities and integrity, Ed ultimately declined the opportunity, choosing instead to remain dedicated to serving the Seacoast Area and the community he called home. In 1975 Ed, along with a cadre of recognized Seacoast business leaders, founded Seabrook Bank And Trust which operated for over 15 years before merging with New Hampshire Savings Bank. In 2002 Sanders & McDermott merged with Pierce Atwood Law Firm. Ed continued working at the law firm until his retirement in 2008. Ed and Nan resided in Hampton, N.H., where they raised their children. Ed was a Eucharistic Minister with Nan at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal for many years as well as an occasional volunteer tending to the church gardens. As an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Eds contributions reached many areas including the Community Kitchen at the St. Vincent de Paul of Hampton where he and Nan volunteered hundreds of hours over the years preparing and serving meals to those in need. Outside of work, he loved to play golf and was a member for several years of The Wentworth by the Sea Country Club. Some of his other interests included sailing, gardening, running and travel. Ed spent many happy summer days with family and friends at the Rye Beach Club, where he was a member for 50 years and he was often seen on many of his long runs up and down the seacoast. When not at the coast, Ed was an avid skier, skiing for years at Waterville Valley. Ed enjoyed his last run at the age of 83 on a “blue bird” day with his grandchildren. He is remembered by his family for his love, kindness, generosity, and zest for life. The family expresses its gratitude and appreciation to those involved with Ed’s care. Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Edward for a Mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842. Burial will be private and Ed will be laid to rest at High Street Cemetery in Hampton at a later date. To attend the services remotely, please click here on the date and time of the funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ed’s memory to St. Vincent de Paul of Hampton by clicking here or by mail St Vincent de Paul - Main Office 289 Lafayette Road Hampton 03842

Edward John McDermott

June 13, 1934 - March 4, 2026