Barry Edmund McDermott
elevated NZZjn
July 7, 1941 ~ March 26, 2026
elevated NZZjn Visitation
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 4 – 8 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated NZZjn Funeral Mass
Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated NZZjn Reception
Following the mass at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated NZZjn Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Section: 6 Holy Family Shrine
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 2C7
elevated NZZjn Obituary
In Loving Memory of Barry Edmund McDermott
elevated NZZjn Barry Edmund McDermott was born on July 7, 1941, in Toronto and passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026 with family by his side at Wellbrook Place in Mississauga. Son of Ella McDonnell and Edmund McDermott, Barry grew up in Toronto and attended St. Michael’s College School before earning his teaching degree from the University of Toronto, St. Michael’s College, in 1964.
elevated NZZjn Barry shared 59 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Dianne (Devereaux). He was a devoted father to Patrick (Caroline Potter), Alan (Jessica Brual), and Laura (Jamie Dudley), and a proud grandfather to Jenna, Emily, Sydney, Caden, and Tanner. He was predeceased by his sister, Aileen (Basil Stacey).
elevated NZZjn Teaching was more of a calling than a profession for Barry, and he dedicated 33 years to St. Michael’s College School. Though he taught many subjects early in his career, his true passions were World Issues and Urban Planning and he encouraged his students to think critically, understand their communities, and appreciate the wider world.
elevated NZZjn Beyond the classroom, Barry loved sports and devoted countless hours to coaching baseball and hockey and supporting schools and community leagues. The baseball diamond at Talbot Park was his second home every Spring. He built lifelong friendships through coaching and teaching and cherished the communities he was a part of.
elevated NZZjn Barry lived in Leaside for nearly 50 years and was an active parishioner of St. Anselm’s Catholic Church before moving to Oakville in recent years to be closer to family. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his steady spirit and his understated wit and humour.
elevated NZZjn The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Wellbrook Place for their compassionate care.
elevated NZZjn He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former students, and all who were fortunate to know him
elevated NZZjn In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to the Canadian Cancer Society.
I will always remember Barry as a wonderful friend to both of my brothers and as a gentle man guided by a generous, loving spirit.
Lorrie Williams (Marlborough)
I was blessed to have Barry as my grade 10 geography teacher. A true gentleman. RIP
Thank you for the message John
Thank for the message Lorrie
First my teacher, then my mentor and always my friend! Condolences and hugs Dianne and your entire family.
My mom very much appreciated this message – thank you John
A good man and great teacher and Baseball coach and Toronto sports historian : condolences to the entire McDermott crew
Thank you from the McDermott crew
I remember Mr. McDermott from my years at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) over 50 years ago and always found him to be a very approachable teacher and one genuinely interested in all his students’ activities. He was my geography teacher and I remember that he also managed the school bookstore. I happened to meet him socially on a couple of occasions after graduating from SMCS and we easily recalled our time together even though it was many years ago. I also happened to meet his mother while I was visiting patients at St. Joseph’s Health Centre as she used to work there part-time. It’s interesting how sometimes we meet our teachers many years later, as happened with Mr. McDermott and also with a number of other SMCS teachers over the years. I have nothing but very good memories of Mr. McDermott and extend my sincere condolences to his family.
What a wonderful walk down memory lane all the way back to my Nana. And I had forgotten about the book store. Thank you for the message Richard.
May his memory be eternal. He was a good man, fondly remembered by his St. Michael’s College School students, who held him in highest regard.
Thank you Alexander for the message
Didn’t know him well but as a fellow graduate of SMC and a fellow Leasider would cross paths on occasion. Always found him friendly,personable and very interesting. A special guy who will be missed.
I never had Mr. McDermott as a teacher, but seeing him daily in the halls, at the rink and among the students constantly, I knew he was a man of great dedication to Saint Michael’s college school. I had the pleasure of introducing my daughter and son-in-law to Mr. McDermott after mass at Saint Andrews Church in Oakville last year. I was very proud to introduce him to my daughter and I remember saying to her that Mr. McDermot was a pillar of the Saint Michael’s community. A life well lived to be sure.
Thank you for this message Michael – I’m sure he enjoyed chatting with you all these years later
Mr.McDermott was a great teacher and a tireless supporter of sports,both at SMCS and the Leaside community. Condolences to the entire McDermott Family.
Thank you Michael – that he was
Mr McDermott was a wonderful man and a great Baseball Coach at SMC. I ran into him after his retirement, when he was a Toronto Tour Guide….. I couldn’t think of anyone better suited to share the history of Toronto with visitors to our amazing city!
His second career! Thank you for the message
My heart goes out to Alan and the family on the loss of Mr. McDermott. He was a truly great teacher who was always kind to his students. Whether he was taking us to Montreal on an Urban Planning trip or cheering and supporting the hockey team, his constant support and warm spirit were a gift to us all. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched. Rest in peace.
Barry was a great teacher creating an easy understanding of concepts, ideas, and skills through a wide variety of interesting activities. While working at the rink, while Barry was the manager, I came to appreciate what a truly great man he was. Condolences to, Dianne, Pat, Alan and Laura
Barry and I were colleagues at SMCS. He was always kind and supportive, with a subtle, unique sense of humour. I never knew him to disparage anyone for as long as I knew him . He and I became natural allies in first initiating. and then expanding the baseball program at the school. His calm demeanour. skill and optimism were the primary reasons for the Baseball Blues visiting the “Skydome” for three championship games in the early 90’s…one of two teams standing in a high school program in souther Ontario involving over 100 teams.
Barry was always the perfect coaching mate, and one of the finest of men and teachers.Rest in peace, Barry. We will miss you .
My sincere condolences Dianne, Pat, Al & Laura. I am so sorry for your loss it is so difficult to lose a husband, dad & granddad to your children.
Sending my love to you all xx
I don’t have many childhood memories without the McDermotts in them. Barry was a wonderful man and godfather to me. My condolences to the family.
Barry was the ultimate Torontonian who was totally immersed on his City and beloved Leaside.
As a teacher and coach Barry was the best as he loved his pupils and never stopped trying to pass on knowledge.
Never forget being up in Strawberry Island with our families and the Kerry Blues Football team.
May Barry’s memory be an eternal blessing and we were all so fortunate to have had Barry in our lives.
Sincere condolences from the entire Colle family to Dianne and the kids.