Robert C. McDermott, Jr.

Robert Charles McDermott, Jr. 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 4, 2025.

Born on September 20, 1946 in Boston, he is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Maryellen (Sheehan). After meeting at a dance hall in Braintree, Bob and Maryellen married on November 7, 1970. Together, they moved to Braintree and raised a wonderful family that was the center of his world.

Bob was a devoted father to Christopher McDermott and his wife Rachael of Pembroke, Laura McDermott of Abington, and Kathleen McDermott Dadekian of Braintree. Bob taught his children to work hard, take care of others, and be lifelong learners. He enriched their lives with history, love of music, and culture. He also coached his kids in youth sports, and even though they were not star athletes, he cheered them on at every opportunity. Bob worked hard and sacrificed to ensure his three kids shared his commitment to learning and higher education by providing them each with college educations and a lifetime of adventures through travelling the globe.

The highlight of his life was his beloved grandchildren Carina Gail and Vince Robert Dadekian. He never missed a softball, baseball, basketball game, or dance recital, and was always more than thrilled to chauffeur the kids anywhere they wanted to go. He took them on trips to share his love of travel and modeled the value of a strong family unit. He was the best “Papa” the kids could have ever asked for. Vince and his Papa played countless hours of catch in the yard. They also had a shared love of poker and talking strategy. Carina and her Papa loved to talk about ancestry, look at family photos, and plan vacations together.

The loving son of the late Robert (Mac) and Susan McDermott, Bob is survived by his brother, William McDermott of Hull. He was also the cherished cousin of the Fosco girls who dubbed him the family historian. Brother-in-law to Margaret and Bob O’Keefe of Maine and Joseph (deceased 2023) and Christine Sheehan of Braintree. He was the loving uncle to Sean O’Keefe (deceased 2021), Katy Swanson Turner, Joseph Sheehan, Elizabeth Sheehan-Castro, Neil O’Keefe, Mark Sheehan, and Matthew Sheehan. He was also the great uncle to Haely Swanson, Ella Swanson, Liv Turner, Connor O’Keefe, Gabe O’Keefe, Kayani Sheehan-Castro, Jolay Sheehan-Castro, and Vincent Sheehan.

Bob’s best friends were like brothers to him. He met Greg Doherty, Vincent (Spud) Magno, Steve Cloonan, and Eddie Powers when they were kids in Hyde Park. Their friendship continued over the years and expanded to include their respective wives and Ken Michel. This crew formed an unbreakable bond which they called the “Blake Street Boys.” Over the years, they have spent meaningful time together celebrating family milestones and traveling to all parts of the world including China, Russia, Egypt and throughout Europe. Bob’s weekly plans included a Tuesday night Zoom with friends to chat about everyday events, Wednesday night dinner at the Lodge Restaurant in Randolph, and Saturday nights eating hotdogs with Mary Ryan and Cheryl Edgar. Bob could be found each morning having breakfast at Ashley’s Restaurant in Braintree, and loved hosting his annual Braintree Fourth of July party at his house in Braintree.

After graduating Hyde Park High School in 1964, Bob started working for the telephone company. While working for the telephone company, he spent four years in the Massachusetts National Guard (1967-1971). He then spent the next 32 years as a dedicated and hard working employee retiring from the Bell Atlantic BCSC in 1996. After retiring, he opened his own ice cream shop in Rockland called Union Station Ice Cream and Candy. Bob loved the ice cream shop. He enjoyed talking with the customers who frequented the shop, and his family loved the ice cream he brought home as a treat.

Bob was not only devoted to his family, but also to his Braintree Community as well. He served as Chairman of the Braintree Finance Committee and a Braintree Town Meeting Member. Bob was the Braintree Town Moderator from 1991 to 1997. He contributed his time to the Dianne DeVanna Center. An avid golfer, Bob also volunteered his time teaching golf to developmentally delayed children, and weekly delivered food to seniors in need through the Marge Crispin Center in Braintree.

Bob will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him. A kind, generous and giving man, he led by example and leaves a gaping hole that hopefully will be filled with the lifetime of memories he provided to those he loved so much.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday 4/9/2025 from 3-7 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital). A Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday 4/10/2025 in St. Clare’s Church, Braintree at 10 AM. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Randolph.

Donations in his name can be made to the Marge Crispin Center, 46 Lincoln Street, c/o Ann Toland, Braintree, MA 02184.

t