Robert Francis McDermott

Robert Francis McDermottOf Arlington HeightsRobert Francis McDermott was born June 8, 1922 in Chicago to John and Julia (nee McGraw) McDermott. He died peacefully March 29, 2015 at his home surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn (nee Power), whom he married October 2, 1954; his children, Tom (Mary Kay Stepanik) McDermott, Mary Kay (Duane Sigelko) McDermott, Neal (Charlie Waters) McDermott, Sean (Barb Supple) McDermott and Juliann (John Alterini) McDermott; and his grandchildren, Erin, Zachary, Clare, Xavier, Connor, Kevin, Maggie, Rory and Johanna.Bob was was preceded in death by his brothers, James (the late Alice) McDermott and John "Jack" (the late Ruth) McDermott.Bob was a 1947 graduate of Loyola University where he developed a life-long love for all things Jesuit. During WW2 he served in the Army Air Corps, 13th Division and was proud of his contribution to the liberation of the Philippines.Bob enjoyed a 38-year career with Material Service Corporation. He then continued his cherished business relationships at Mid-Con Concrete products. He lived out a deep faith through his service to St. James Catholic Parish serving on the school board, in Eucharistic planning and ministry, and as the founding member of the retired men"s group that he established more than 20 years ago. Bob was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Holy Rosary Council. In 1985, Bob and Kay received the Bishop Heffron Award for service to St. Mary"s College (now St. Mary"s University of Minnesota).Bob and Kay celebrated more than 60 years of joyful marriage and maintained a home that was open to all. Bob was known for his story-telling, genial Irish manner and generosity. He lived by the belief that no kindness was forgotten and gave away much of his children"s inheritance in dollar coins that he freely distributed for every small kindness he witnessed. Bob treated every encounter with another person as an opportunity for friendship.Visitation from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., (4 blocks south of Palatine Rd.) Arlington Heights. Prayers 11:15 AM, Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., to St. James Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights for Mass at 12:00 PM. Burial at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, 1185 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Robert F. McDermott Scholarship Fund for St. James School. Funeral information and condolences www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.