Richard S. McDermott

Rich was born in Queens, NY September 26,1944 to Theodore and Claire (Siefert) McDermott, and was raised mostly in Westchester County. He was a graduate of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY, and St. Bonaventure University, Olean, NY.

He was employed for 32 yrs.by General Foods Co. in White Plains, NY. He met his wife Cynthia in 1970 while auditing in the Detroit area. They married in 1972, living briefly in Dover, DE before settling in Danbury, CT and raising their family. He took early retirement as a financial systems manager in 1998 after completing work on the GF/Kraft merger.

Rich was a hands-on dad, cheering at T-Ball, basketball, and soccer games. He was Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 52 in Danbury, CT for over 10 yrs.

Following his retirement from Kraft, Rich began his real work. He became a humble volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, raising funds and helping build 27 homes over 12 years for needy families in the greater Danbury area. When he and Cindy moved to The Villages in 2012, he joined Helping Hands, a ministry of New Covenant United Methodist Church which did similar work, until he was side-lined by his illness. He was also known for his faithful support of the UConn Women’s Basketball Team.

He is survived by Cindy, his loving wife of 49 years; his children David (Dani) of Scranton, PA and Laurabeth (Sam) of Waterbury, CT; his grandchildren Kendra, Samantha, Owen, and Lawsen; and a great-granddaughter Ka’Morra. He is also survived by his brother Theodore (Lorraine) of Port Charlotte, FL; and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 11AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. A reception will immediately follow at Dignity Memorial Life Celebration Center, 7134 Powell Road in Wildwood, FL.

Contributions in his memory may be made to New Covenant United Methodist Church (note Helping Hands Ministry), 3470 Woodridge Drive, The Villages FL 32162 .