Mar 2005
Glenfarne’s oldest emigrant dies aged 105
Glenfarne’s oldest emigrant, Patrick McDermott passed away in Taunton, Boston on March 15 last aged 105 years.
He was born in Briscloonagh, Glenfarne in September 1899, eldest son of John McDermott and Rose Ann Rogan, in a family of three boys and three girls.
Patrick was educated in Carrigeengeare National School by Master McGrath after which he worked for a short time in the Thompson household as a farm labourer.
He emigrated to the United States in 1925 and worked as an LPN superviser in Taunton State Hospital until his retirement in 1966.
He was married in 1940 to Enid who predeceased him a few years ago. They had two sons, John and David.
The only surviving member of the McDermott family is his brother Larry who is still hale and hearty at 97 years and is resident in Blacklion, Co Cavan.
Longevity seems to be in the McDermott family as his sister Mary Teresa died at the age of 91 and his brother Michael was 95.
Patrick visited Ireland on a number of occasions to visit his sister Mary Teresa Keaney, Cullentra and his brother Michael James, Briscloonagh.
The last trip was to celebrate his 100th birthday in 1999 on which occasion he was joined by two other Glenfarne centenarians, Paddy McGowan, Briscloonagh, a former school pal, and Winnie McHugh, Lochross, both since deceased.
On that trip to Ireland in 1999 the three centenarians were featured in the Leitrim Observer.
He visited Carrigeengeare school and the Thompson household where he received a warm welcome from the McPartland family, present owners of Cherrybrook House.
Patrick was an avid card player and Boston Red Sox fan. He enjoyed playing 45 at the Taunton Lodge of Elks where he received a gold cane from the club in 2004, signifying him as the oldest area elk player.
He attributed his long life to hard work, long hours and regular exercise. Having been retired for over 40 years, he had lots of time for exercise and relaxation with his family, grandchildren and a large circle of friends and relations.
Up until two weeks before his death Patrick was up and around and in good health, still able to crack a joke and enjoying life.
He is survived by his two sons, John of Reboboth, Boston and David of Peak’s Island, Portland, Maine and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his brother Larry in Blacklion.
U.S. Social Security Death Index for Patrick Mcdermott
First Name: Patrick
Middle Name:
Last Name: Mcdermott
Name Suffix:
Birth Date: 20 September 1899
Social Security Number: 020-20-0798
Place of Issuance: Massachusetts
Last Residence: Taunton, Bristol, Massachusetts
Zip Code of Last Residence: 02780
Death Date: 15 March 2005
Estimated Age at Death: 106 [sic]
Ireland's Oldest People 