Joseph W. McDermond, Jr.

Joseph W. McDermond, Jr., 75, of Carlisle, PA, passed away at UMPC Harrisburg on January 27, 2024. 

Joe was born on October 3, 1948 at the former Carlisle Hospital, Carlisle PA, son of late Joseph W. Sr. and Bertha F. (Barrick) McDermond. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Connie L. (Vaughn) McDermond, their lovely daughter Ami N. McDermond Casper (husband Jason) of Wilmington, DE, two grandchildren, Peter and Emma Casper of Wilmington, DE, his nephew, Ray Holsinger, his uncle, Gene McDermond, his aunts, Sylvia Mentzer and Dolly Smeltz, as well as many cousins.

He was predeceased by a son, Joseph W. McDermond, III and a sister, Linda K. McDermond. 

Joe graduated from Carlisle Senior High School in 1966 and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/Management as a working adult in 1993, having earned credits towards his degree at Mansfield State University, HACC, High Point College (NC), Shippensburg University, and finishing his college education at Goldey Beacom College in Wilmington, DE. 

A very proud veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, Joe served with the 3^rd Bn 187^th Airborne Infantry (the most decorated airborne unit during the Vietnam Conflict, including the Presidential Unit Citation for their action in the A Shau Valley at Hamburger Hill) of the famed 101^st Airborne (Airmobile) Division (Screaming Eagles) in 1968-1969. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Campaign Stars, and the National Defense Service Medal for his service. 

He was also very proud of his family heritage. His dad and five uncles, four from the McDermond side and one from his mother’s side of the family served during WWII and Korea. His uncle, Robert (Bob) P. McDermond, died in a POW Camp in Korea in 1951 at the age of 19. 

Joe started working at a very young age, having a Carlisle Sentinel paper route for a number of years, starting when he was in 6^th Grade. Early in his adult career, he worked at the former C.H. Masland & Sons and part time at the former Wilson’s Drug Store, in Carlisle, PA. Most of his career was with the former Hercules Incorporated, Wilmington, DE, where he spent over 27 years, most of which were in management positions. He took early retirement in 2002. This was followed by one year at Boeing Corporation, Ridley Park, PA and one year at Over-The-Line Corporation, San Antonio, TX, from which he took final retirement in 2005. During his career, Joe served on numerous industry related boards and organizations. 

Joe was a lifelong Lutheran, having been baptized, confirmed and married at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Carlisle, PA and was a charter member of Reformation Lutheran Church (NALC) in New Bern, NC. At the time of his death, he was a member of and worshiped at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Carlisle, PA. 

In addition to industry related boards, Joe served on the boards of volunteer organizations such as Lutheran Community Services in Wilmington, DE, church committees, community councils and for several years was a Meals on Wheels volunteer in Wilmington, DE.

He was an avid golfer and was a former member of The Emerald Golf Club in New Bern, NC. 

He was a member of the 101^st Airborne Division Association for over 50 years, and became a Lifetime Member. He was also a Lifetime Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). 

There will be no viewing. Interment will be private in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Kindly omit flowers. The family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950 or to Screaming Eagle Support Fund, C/O Screaming Eagle Foundation, P.O. Box 929, Fort Campbell KY 42223.