DENMARK — Robert E. McDermott, 96, longtime resident of Denmark, Maine and previously of Dedham, Mass., died peacefully at his home on Oct. 25, 2022.

He was born on Jan. 17, 1926, in Boston to Francis J. McDermott, a veteran of World War I, and Astha Andersen, originally of Oslo, Norway. Robert was proud of many
things in his life, among them his service to the nation in World War II and his 45-year career with the railroad. A few months before he
was to turn 18, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served faithfully in the Pacific during the war and for over a year after the war during the Occupation. He was a radio operator on a minesweeper, the U.S.S. Seer, and was deployed in the South China Sea, East China Sea, Strait of Formosa, and the Japanese Inland Sea. In the early days of the new Cold War, his unit was sent to Shanghai, China, after which they returned home. After his honorable discharge from the military, Bob returned to his job with New York Central Railroad as a brakeman and remained employed there until his retirement.

On Jan. 30, 1954 Robert married Helen M. Newell, of Millis, Mass. They were married for 55 years. Helen predeceased him in 2009.

Robert is survived by five of his children: Ann Castle, Jim McDermott (Gayle) of Aguilar, Colo., Maureen (Larry), Karen, and Tom (Annmarie). In addition, he is survived by his son-in-law, Richard. Robert is also survived by ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen, and two sons-in-law, James and Vincent.

Bob was self-reliant and very independent in mind and spirit. He thought for himself. He read the newspapers daily and cared about what happened in the world. He understood the notion of sacrifice for the larger good and contributed to country, family, and community in honorable ways. He may have considered himself a more solitary type, but if you got him out among people, you’d never know it. He could tell stories and regale a small audience.

Since November 2016, Bob was the proud steward of the Boston Post Cane, an honor that was so wonderfully bestowed on him by the selectmen of the Town of Denmark — such a spirited affirmation of his value as a citizen of great age.

Bob was so lucky to live in a very caring community full of kind people who looked out for his welfare. He had an amazing support person, Maria, who was devoted to his care and who provided extraordinary comfort to him in his final days. We also give very special thanks to the Stacy Brothers of Denmark, who supported our father through decades of attention, and who most importantly encouraged him to do the Honor Flight Maine. That trip to Washington, DC with his son Tom in June of 2018 was one of the great events of Robert’s life. We also express heartfelt thanks for all Bob’s neighbors and everyone at the Denmark Town Office, who provided so much support and encouragement.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Bridgton, on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 at 11 a.m. Arrangements are being made by Chandler Funeral Home in Bridgton.

Please see: https://www.chandlerfunerals.com/obituaries