Robert L. McDermott, family man, entrepreneur
Robert “Bob” L. McDermott, 78, of Long Neck, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, March 26, 2023, of complications from COVID-19. In his last days, Bob was surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. He was born at the National Homeopathic Hospital in Washington, D.C., June 24, 1944, to the late Alcana Gladstone McDermott of Reliance, Va., and Gertrude (Knight) McDermott of St. Mary’s City, Md.
Bob was raised in the Tenley Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C., where he attended St. Ann’s Catholic Academy (’58) and Mackin High School (’62). He also attended the University of Maryland, where he studied business administration. Bob was a devout Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus for 50 years, and was known as “Bingo Bob” for his tireless work at the K of C in Forest Glen, Md. He was a native Washingtonian, so being a Redskins/Commanders fan was his birthright, and he never gave up on his team. He owned ADMIN Personnel, a successful personnel placement business located in Silver Spring, Md., providing temporary and permanent office staff throughout the DC metropolitan area. As a businessman and member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, he understood the need to serve his community and to reach out a hand to those who are struggling.
After retiring to Rehoboth Beach in 2003, Bob worked part-time for Chevy Chase Bank and Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium. At the time of his death, Bob was assistant director of Seniors Helping Seniors In-Home Services, a business that he owned with his wife, Amy.
Bob will be remembered for his kind heart, his devotion to his wife and family, and his warm hospitality. He loved everything about his life with Amy in Rehoboth Beach, from his role as Santa on the Boardwalk, to sharing good times on the water with family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 34 years, Amy Monaghan McDermott; his loving daughter, Stephanie McDermott Gagliano (Capt. Joseph Gagliano, USN); his most cherished granddaughters, Caroline and Noelle Gagliano of Arlington, Va.; his brothers: Leo McDermott (Chere) of Hilltown, Pa., and Bernard McDermott DDS (Barbara) of Washington, D.C.; his sisters-in-law, Meg Guessford of Germantown, Md., Seana Gallagher (Ike) of Alexandria, Va., and Siobhan Bixel of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; his devoted beagle, Lola; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 5, at Mary Mother of Peace Church, 30839 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro. A visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., the night prior, Tuesday, April 4, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o Mary Mother of Peace Church, 30839 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Visit Bob’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
