[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.

                          ____________________