Date of Birth: October 12, 1951
Date of Profession: September 2, 1975
Date of Ordination: June 13, 1981
Date of Death: April 2, 2025

Fr. Christopher (Chris) McDermott, C.S.Sp. of Pittsburgh, PA, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, died at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, after a short illness.  He was 73 years old.

Fr. Chris was born on October 12, 1951, in Worcester, MA.  His parents were Thomas Joseph and Patsy Ruth (Harding) McDermott. A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Pittsburgh, he was admitted to the Holy Ghost Fathers’ Immaculate Heart Seminary, Bethel Park, PA, in 1973 and attended classes at Duquesne University.  Fr. Chris entered the novitiate in Champion, PA in 1974 and made his first profession the following year.  He subsequently attended Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, where he obtained an M. Div. in 1981. 

Fr. Chris’s first assignment after ordination was to the District of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He returned to the US in 1983, worked in the campus ministry at Duquesne University, and became the co-director of Laval House in 1986.  In 1987, he went to San Antonio, TX, for studies.  Fr. Chris became pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Bay City, MI, in 1988, and following a short sabbatical at Libermann House, TX, in 1993, he was appointed to the faculty at Holy Ghost Prep in 1994, where he served with outstanding commitment and devotion until his death. During his years at Holy Ghost Prep, Fr. Chris touched and enriched the lives of countless students, faculty, administrators, staff and parents by whom he will be fondly remembered.

Fr. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Joseph and Patsy Ruth (Harding) McDermott.  He is survived by his sister, Susan Nolan, and his nieces and nephews by whom he will be greatly missed.  We extend our deepest condolences to Susan and the extended family, to the Spiritan Community at Spiritan Hall, and the entire Holy Ghost Prep Community where he served for 30 years. 

The funeral Mass will be celebrated in the chapel of Holy Ghost Prep on Tuesday, April 8, at 1.30 pm. preceded by visitation from 12.30 p.m. Burial will take place immediately afterwards in the community cemetery. May his gentle soul rest in the peace of the Lord whom he served so faithfully during his lifetime.

In memory of Fr. Chris, donations may be made to the Congregation of the Holy Spirit designated for retirement or for the education of future Holy Spirit Fathers and Brothers, 6230 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park PA 15102.