IN REMEMBRANCE OF GERALD P. McDERMOTT

On 2025-04-29, Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO-1) delivered a floor speech titled "IN REMEMBRANCE OF GERALD P. McDERMOTT" in the House.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF GERALD P. McDERMOTT

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E361] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] IN REMEMBRANCE OF GERALD P. McDERMOTT ______ HON. DIANA DeGETTE of colorado in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend and mentor, Gerald P. McDermott--a highly regarded trial attorney, advocate for justice, pillar of Denver's legal community, and revered family man. Jerry's career was defined by an unwavering commitment to defending the rights of all Coloradoans, no matter their circumstance or situation. Jerry was a proud son of Pueblo, Colorado. He stayed in Colorado for his education, attending Colorado State University and the University of Denver School of Law, where he was a member of the law review. After graduating from law school, Jerry established a legal career fighting for people who needed a strong advocate. He was associated with many preeminent trial firms in Colorado and founded his own firm, establishing the highest standards of trial excellence and ethics. Jerry's lifelong love of politics was cemented when he was a reading clerk for the Colorado State Legislature during the 1965-66 session. Later, he was the point person for the rights of the injured in the 1985 tort reform legislative session and gained respect from legislators on both sides of the aisle. He consistently supported politicians who he believed met his standards and worked actively to help them get elected and succeed in office. I saw this for myself. When I was a young member of the General Assembly, struggling to balance my law practice, service as a legislator, and raising two young daughters, Jerry took me in. He gave me an office in his firm and was always there to help me with a case or give advice about a tricky legal issue. Jerry received many awards and accolades, but he would say that his biggest success was his family. He and Rosemarie were married for over 60 years, and they raised two sons, Sean and Brian. Over the years, Jerry spoke to me with such pride about the success of his boys. Truly, his family was the center of his life. To scores of Colorado lawyers, Jerry was a guiding light and voice of reason. He gave us advice, set an example through his work, and showed us what it meant to fight for people who needed a strong advocate. His dedication to fairness and justice had a lasting impact on generations of trial lawyers. I am proud to have known Jerry and to call him my friend. Colorado's legal community mourns the loss of a giant. ____________________