Robert McDermott

His wife Betty passed away in 2016 at their home in Clearwater. He is survived by his four children. Robert J. McDermott Jr., fiancé Lisa Kane, James T. McDermott, wife Shannon, Laurie M. Alexander, husband Joseph and John W, McDermott. Grandchildren: James P. McDermott 26, Joseph S. Alexander III 22, Joshua T. McDermott 19, Sarah E. Alexander 18, Ryan M. Alexander 16, Keegan J. McDermott 4, Finnegan J, McDermott 4, and Fiona I McDermott 4.

Robert enlisted in the Air Force in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1946 having been issued the World War II Victory Medal and ATO Medal. He earned a Business Administration Degree in 1950. A law Degree in 1952 and a Juris Doctor Degree that was conferred on him in December 1967. At the University of Florida, he was Founder and first President of the Marketing Society, Chairman of the Southeastern Conference for the Cardinal Newman Society. Student Chairman of the Student Union, Justice on the Honor Court and CO Chairman of the Florida Gator Political Party. He was a member of the KAPPA ALPHA Social Fraternity and DELTA THETA PHI Legal Fraternity.

Robert began practicing law in Clearwater, FL in 1952. He was appointed Justice of the Peace by then Governor LeRoy Collins in January 1953. He served as Municipal Judge for the city of Safety Harbor. He was elected Commander of the American Legion Turner Brandon Post 7. He served as Chairman of the world Softball Tournament when the Clearwater Bombers last won. He was past president of the Clearwater Bar Association and the Mid County Bar Association. He was authorized to practice before all state courts, The Federal District and Circuit Courts, as well as The United States Supreme Court. He was Chairman of the Pinellas Democratic Party and elected State Committeeman for Pinellas County on the State Democratic Party. In 1961, he co-founded First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Largo and served on its Board of Directors as Vice President, twice as President pro tem, and then several years as its Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was General Counsel during its existence. In 1992, he was Board Certified as a specialist in Civil Trial Law. In 2000, he became Board Certified in Wills, Trusts, and Estates. In 2005, Robert retired from the practice of law and enjoyed playing golf, attending Rays games, and “most of all enjoying Betty’s superb cooking and visiting those great, smart, and beautiful grandkids.”

A gathering will be held 1pm Wednesday, June 20, 2018, with a memorial service to immediately follow at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Morton Plant Foundation.