Mr. John P. "Jack" Dermady

John P. "Jack" Dermady, formerly of Cape Vincent and Dolgeville, N.Y. passed away on June 30, 2026, in Herkimer, N.Y. Jack was born, July 22, 1941 in Watertown, N.Y., the son of Francis and Florence Rima Dermady. He attended school in Cape Vincent, N.Y. through high school when he transferred to St. Mary's Academy, a Catholic High School in Ogdensburg, N.Y. where he graduated in preparation to attend Wadham's Hall Seminary College also in Ogdensburg. In 1972 Jack was the first individual in New York State to complete a four year apprenticeship in shoe design and pattern making. The program at the time had been in existence for 10 years prior. He was then hired by Allegro Shoe Company in Little Falls, N.Y. as a shoe designer and pattern maker. He finished the second half of his 30-year career in shoe design at Daniel Green Shoe Company in Dolgeville, N.Y. which culminated when they closed. Jack then went on to pursue a lifetime interest in criminal justice through Herkimer County BOCES, completing the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services security guard certification program. He was then employed as a security guard at Gutchess Lumber in Cortland, N.Y. Jack's interests were many, he played percussion since he was a child. As an adult, he played the drums in various bands and for community based performances for decades. He would still pick up his drumsticks and carry a beat in his 80's. Jack studied many different religions and nutrition and had a vitamin supplement business. He also enjoyed boating throughout New York, but especially on the St. Lawrence River. Jack truly loved his family, music, his boat and his beloved St. Lawrence River. Jack lived for the first year of his life on Grenadier Island, accessible only by boat, located on Lake Ontario. Additionally, Jack was recognized in the local newspaper, radio and television in 1997 when he saved an elderly woman from a house fire in Dolgeville while walking to work. Survivors include; his three daughters; Debra (Rusty) Ray of Little Falls, N.Y. Heidi (Anthony) Filihan of New York Mills, N.Y. and Nicole (Jeffrey) Lener of Homer, N.Y., his siblings; Thomas (Wendy) Dermady of Goodyear, Arizona. Robert Dermdy of Hampton, Virginia and MaryAnn Dermady of Cape Vincent, N.Y., his five grandchildren; Joshua Dermady of Utica, William Testa, Jr. of Sauquoit, Corrin Filihan of Utica and Aaron and Ezra Lener of Homer., his great grandchildren; Carter Dermady of Rome and David Testa of Sauquoit., and a sister-in-law; Beverly Dermady of Cape Vincent, N.Y. In addition to his parents; Jack was preceded in death by a brother; Edward Dermady and a great grandson; Adrian Dermady. Funeral services will be conducted at 11am on Saturday August 8, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church 734 Rte. 222 Cortland, N.Y. with Rev. Allen Ferguson officiating. Contributions in Jack's memory may be made to Cortland Co. Meals on Wheels Program. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10am-11am in the church prior to services. Prayers of Committal in Cape Vincent, N.Y. will be at the convenience of family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.riccardifuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, NY

Mr. John P. "Jack" Dermady

July 22, 1941 - June 30, 2026