This month, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The McDermott Family: Brian, Katie and their children, Brian, Jr. and Caroline. Although the McDermotts have called Newtown Square home for just four years, they feel as though they have belonged here from the minute they moved in and look forward to many more years of living in our special community.
Brian is originally from Havertown, where he grew up with his parents and his two older brothers, Michael and Kevin. Brian went to grade school at Annunciation BVM and graduated from Haverford Senior High School, where he played basketball and was a member of the golf team.
After graduation from Haverford, Brian continued his education at St. Joseph’s University, playing four years on the school’s golf team and earning his bachelor’s degree in marketing. Brian said that the best thing about playing golf is the time he gets to spend and the laughs he gets to have with friends and family on the course.
After graduation, Brian went to work in the insurance industry because he wanted to have a career geared toward helping people and one that didn’t require him to sit behind a desk all day. These days, Brian is a Commercial Insurance Broker. “Every business has different challenges and risks,” Brian explained. “I enjoy gaining a deep understanding of my client’s business and providing solutions and a customized insurance solution that fits their needs.”
Katie grew up in West Chester with her parents, her sister Colleen and her brother Teddy. She attended Sts. Simon & Jude for grade school and then Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, where she played volleyball and was a member of the student council and the community service group.
Katie also attended St. Joseph’s University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. “I currently work in human resources for Aramark Corporation,” Katie said. “I love the work that I do, helping others pursue their own career goals and solving business issues through the company’s greatest asset, which is our people.” Katie added that Aramark’s Correctional Services human resources division helps build a path for second chances. “Our goal is to break the cycle of recidivism by positively impacting the lives of the individuals we serve in our correctional facilities through vocational training that leads to job certifications, scholarships and fair-chance hiring for those re-entering the workforce.”
“Brian and I met in 2002 while we were students at St. Joseph’s University,” Katie said. “Brian was in his junior year, and I was a sophomore.” Katie said they were introduced through a mutual friend who was determined to make sure the two of them met. Their friend decided to throw a party one night, invited them both, and they hit it off. “Our first date was at the movies to see Old School, featuring Will Ferrell and Luke Wilson,” Katie said. “It was a hilarious movie and made for an entertaining night!”
Brian and Katie continued dating while starting their careers. They got engaged in 2009, and the happy couple married in October 2010 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in the heart of downtown Cape May, NJ. “It was the most beautiful day, with picture-perfect weather,” Katie recalled. “Much of our reception was planned outdoors, and we were nervous because the weather leading up to our wedding was full of downpours, but it turned out to be an absolutely stunningly beautiful day.”
The newlyweds honeymooned in Aruba and began their married life together in West Conshohocken. “We loved living in that area where we could walk to shops and restaurants,” Brian said. “We also really enjoyed exercising on the Schuylkill Trail.” Katie and Brian enjoyed their time there until 2014, then moved to a more spacious home in Media and started their family.
Brian, Jr. is Katie and Brian’s oldest. He is 11 years old and a student at St. Mary Magdalen, where he is involved in the student council and plays CYO soccer, football, basketball and baseball. “Brian is very social and very funny,” Brian said. “He is known for delivering timely and appropriate punch lines that make everyone laugh.” Like his dad, Brian also loves golf and is looking forward to caddying next summer.
Brian’s younger sister, Caroline, is ten years old and also attends St. Mary Magdalen. She loves CYO cheerleading, field hockey and basketball and will also participate in the St. Mary Magdalen theatre production of The Little Mermaid in the spring. Like her brother, Caroline is a social butterfly who loves to be with her friends. “She really enjoys taking care of children and has plans to serve as a mother’s helper in the neighborhood,” Katie said. “She also hopes to grow up to be a mom of three children someday.”
The most recent addition to the McDermott crew is Rory, their ten-month-old Australian Labradoodle, who joined the family this past April. “We are first-time dog owners, and we’re learning with him every day,” Katie laughed. “But Brian and the kids and I can’t imagine our lives without our little guy.”
For the McDermotts, family time comes first. “Our family loves music of all genres and from all decades,” Katie said. “If you come to our house, it’s very likely there is music playing.” Another favor- ite activity is a fall tradition of cooking wings and ribs to enjoy while watching football on Sundays. Katie added that she and the kids are actively practicing and improving their golf skills so they can play together as a family.
Katie and Brian are also very active in our community. They are members of St. Mary Magdalen Parish and regularly volunteer their time to the school and church. Over the years, Brian has helped coach Brian and Caroline’s basketball teams and Katie is an active part of Aramark’s Building Community initiative.
When they want to get away, Brian, Katie and the kids love to visit their favorite shore town, Cape May, but they also enjoy visiting new places every year. “This past summer, we traveled to Chicago over the fourth of July weekend to take in two Phillies vs Cubs baseball games,” Brian said. “We also took a family vacation to Turks and Caicos in August and loved every minute of that!”
“We moved to the Springton Pointe section of Newtown Square because we wanted to be close to our family and raise our children in a neighborhood where they could play outside,” Katie said. “We love the sense of community and that our kids can experience the feeling of just being kids and making lifelong friends.” As far as their neighbors?
Katie and Brian cannot say enough about how much they love where they live. “We share similar values and enjoy spending time together,” they said. “Everyone is so busy these days, but we all still find the time to get together for backyard barbeques and holiday gatherings.”
Thank you, Brian, Katie, Brian, Jr. and Caroline, for sharing your family’s story with your Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. Your love for each other and commitment to caring for others in our community and beyond is inspiring and admirable. Here’s wishing you all the best this upcoming holiday season.
Do you know a Newtown Square family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com. NS