› Forums › Forums › WHERE ARE THEY NOW ? › MIss Ya Mikey. . . Michael McDermott made his last run today
Got the news today that we lost Mikey to ongoing health problems ,early this morning. Michael ‘Mikey” McDermott. From the Newburgh,N.Y. area, he started out in 65 running a ’53 U/S Chevy ,he picked up from Pat Hennebery. Went on to run Dover every week in his C/Gas nova. Retired In Florida ,he built a Willys that I lettered at the 2nd annual Dover Drag Strip Nostalgia Drags at Island Dragway. He towed 1200 miles to compete and won the long distance award. A member of both the Dover Drag Strip Reunion Hall Of Fame and the Hudson Valley Historic Racing Hall Of Fame . With His Wife Teresa,they were Foster parents to many kids, giving them a new lease on life. Great Guy…Great sense of humor and a Friend to all he met. We Miss ya buddy ,He’s home now with many a Dover Racer.His long time friend said it best….Bruce Butler Jr. :
“Sad. Lost a very longtime friend, and Heaven got a little bit faster last night. Mike βSpankyβ McDermott passed away after a long, hard fought battle with health problems. When we last spoke during early September, it was clear to me that he had never lost his zest for life, and his optimism for his ability to beat his health issues with the same spirit in which he loved his family and raced his cars. Our condolences to his wife, family and friends, of which I am honored to have been among. It was a fun ride, my friend. Rest In Peace”
Rest in Peace my friend. I never met Mikey at Dover back in the day but got to know him when the Dover site started. My condolences to the family
Pat
we are sorry to hear of mickeys passing. may he rest in peace.he was a happy go lucky guy. he will be missed by many.
smokey and grover
Drake Viscome sent this :
“Mikee surely was fine racer…BUT way-way MORE than that in life…he had incredible regard/compassion/respect for ALL…his LOVE…for children-family…ALL those that knew him…well know…RIP Mike…God Speed…our sincerest condolences to family & friends…which are MANY..”
Such a sad day. We knew that Mikey was failing and this day would come,
but also hoping it would never come! You could never find a nicer person.
He was so knowledgeable about drag cars and with circle track cars. He shared
information with anyone who asked. He and his wife had many foster children,
some they adopted. His family was his rock! There’s a lot of broken hearts in FL. today.
Mikey, my brother, R.I.P dear friend! Like we always said at the end of our conversations,
“LOVE YA”!
Frank… π
GBNF, RIP Mikey.
Sorry to hear about Mikey. We talked on the phone not to long ago. He didn’t talk about health issues but instead was talking about taking the Willis out one more time. That’s the never give up attitude of a true racer. It was good to have known you even if only for a short time. We did get to enjoy going to the dragstrips together here in Lakeland, Bradenton and in New York. Always had a smile to make things seem pretty good even when the cars didn’t do like we wanted. RIP Mikey.
Sorry to hear this ! Mickey was a good guy and always had something positive to say ! Rest in peace brother !
WOW! I just got the news on Mikey,and i’m very saddened hearing we lost him. Mikey, like me,a Willys Nut,had a lot in common,and was
‘great’ seeing him at the early days of the Dover Nostalgia drags with his Willys,and running it. Mikey was ‘very’ talented in the automotive lines,along with a ‘great’ personality! My condolences go out to his family,for there great loss.He will be sadly missed……..Pete.
So sad about Mikey … spoke with him this past september… we was going to hook up at his house in florida when Sue and i got down there. positive attitude and we ended the phone call both saying that we feel like we have known each other for a long time… super nice guy … rest in peace Mikey… my condolences to his family.
………. π …….. I Loved when he used to tell me “TOMATOHEAD ! PAINT THE DAMN BUMPERS !!” ……. I am very sorry to hear this , GOD BLESS MIKEY !
‘Mater’ Joe, how well I remember him bustin on ya, about your bumpers on your ‘Tomato Bolt’ LOL !!! We lost a great friend Joe!…Pete.