Robert B. McDermott, Sr.

PAXTON – Robert B. McDermott, Sr., age 89, died peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2025, at The Meadows in Bentonville, AR, surrounded by the loving presence of his family. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Edward and Gertrude (Barry) McDermott and lived most of his life in Central Massachusetts before moving to Arkansas two years ago.

Robert graduated from Holy Cross College with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1957. He also earned master’s degrees from the University of Hartford and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His career as a high school science teacher and later as the head of the science department spanned 37 years.

Robert will be lovingly missed and remembered by his devoted wife of 67 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Boyle) McDermott of Bentonville, AR; his children, Patricia Chapman and her husband, Scott, of Bella Vista, AR; Robert McDermott, Jr., and his wife, Cynthia, of Mercer, ME; and Timothy McDermott and his wife, Sharon, of Durham, CT. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly McDermott Gallagher, and her husband, Thomas, of Worcester; and his sister-in-law, Eileen Boyle Gerrits, and her husband, Gerald, of The Villages, FL. He was preceded in death by his brother, Edward P. McDermott.

In addition, he leaves five grandchildren: Meghan Miller and her husband, Ryan, of Cumming, GA; Caitlin Campbell and her husband, Christopher, of Dallas, TX; Kyle McDermott of Nashua, NH; and Timothy and Taylor McDermott of Durham, CT. He was also blessed with two great-granddaughters, Olivia Miller and Ava Campbell.

Family and friends will gather to honor Robert’s memory with calling hours from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 10 Richards Avenue, Paxton. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 1201 NE Legacy Parkway, Bentonville, AR 72712 (www.nwacircleoflife.com).