Paul V. McDermott

Paul Vincent McDermott, 91, of Fitchburg, MA, went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 28, 2026.

Born April 19, 1935 in Westfield, MA, he attended Catholic school and went on to serve in the army, becoming a Korean War veteran. A longtime parishioner of St. Bernard’s Church, he was an accomplished runner, completing 84 marathons, including many Boston Marathon races, and races to the top of Mount Washington and countless challenging road races. He took pride in involving his children and grandchildren in his love of running, having them join him on the course for many years at races.

His vocations included being a construction worker and a carpenter, as well as having worked in paper mills and in the maintenance department at local Catholic schools. He was a longtime devoted volunteer and board member for the North Medford Running Club. He also volunteered much time at St. Bernard’s church where he established a scholarship for students to be able to attend the St. Bernard High School.

He was predeceased by his parents, Esther and Daniel McDermott; brothers Jim, Phil and Tom; his devoted wife Joan, who passed away earlier this year (and her parents, Joseph and Minnie Burdick); daughter, Judy and her longtime partner, Steve Robichaud; and his beautiful granddaughter, Heather Lynn.

He is survived by his daughters Deb Fontaine and her husband Mark; Diane Rhoden and her husband, Rob; Brenda Fortier and her husband, Mark; son, Jim, and his wife, Brenda; daughter Karen Bergeron and her husband, Chuck; daughter, Susan Salazar. Additional survivors include his grandchildren, Alissa, Justin, Brittany, Mark Adam, Kaley, Katie, Stephanie, Lexi and Jen; great grandchildren, Everett, Wesley and Aiden; siblings, Cathy Mason, Peter, Matthew and Dan; numerous nieces and nephews, friends and running buddies.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster, MA from 9:30-10:30 A.M. The funeral Mass will be held afterward at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard Parish, 333 Mechanic St., Fitchburg, MA, followed by burial at 12:30 P.M. at St. Bernard Cemetery, 96 Goodrich St., Fitchburg, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

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