| Notes |
- William F. "Bill" McDermott of Fairfield, loving husband; devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather; and passionate educator passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 26th surrounded by his family. He was 79 years old. He was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on July 28, 1937, the first of four children of Dorothea and Francis McDermott. His drive to empower others led him to pursue an MA in education from Seton Hall University and graduate work in administration at Teachers College Columbia University after graduating Cum Laude with a BS in education from the State Teachers College at Salem State University, MA. Bill loved his career in education, serving first as principal of Dwight Elementary School in Fairfield and principal of Eastbury Elementary in Glastonbury for the final 19 years of his career. His passion for his students was exemplified in his commitment to the Board of Directors of the Elementary and Middle School Principals Association of Connecticut, including serving as both Vice President and President. Bill was also on the governing Board of the Connecticut Principal's Academy and the Connecticut Association of Schools. He was a strong advocate for children, especially those with special needs. He conducted workshops advocating for mainstreaming children with special needs into the regular classroom in Connecticut and nationally, earning him the Exemplary Principal Award in Special Education. Bill initially met his future wife, Jo-Ann, through his younger sister Ellen. Fourteen years later, after reuniting at his father's wake, their romance began, and they married in 1973. They lived in Park Forest, IL before settling in Fairfield in 1976. Bill's children were the focus of his life. He was a gentle father, empowering his children to think independently, accomplish their personal goals and live life with integrity – just as he did. Nothing brought him more joy than putting a smile on the face of a loved one with his incredible generosity. Bill enjoyed a very active life. He was an ardent sailor from his early years in Lynn, MA to his adult life in Fairfield. In fact, it was his love of sailing and the Fairfield beaches that kept him living in Fairfield and commuting to Glastonbury. Never one to sit still, he enjoyed hiking hut to hut in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, international travel and skiing in Jackson Hole, WY. He was an avid philatelist collecting Vatican City and Irish stamps. He also had a love for biking, gardening, photography, reading and classical music. Following retirement, Bill continued his service to others as a Core Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County and at Operation Hope of Fairfield. Bill is survived by his wife Jo-Ann of 43 years; his children Michelle Olson of Fairfield; Sean and his wife Dorren of Rosemont, PA; Brendan and his wife Nicki of Jackson, WY; Keary Salls and his wife Ida of Enterprise, AL; grandchildren Kevin Olson and his wife Jena; Caitlin Colon and her husband Manny; Kyle Olson; Maureen, Patrick and Duncan McDermott; Brynn and Cora McDermott; Ava and Quinn Salls; and great granddaughter, Tenley Rose Olson. Bill is also survived by his sisters Sheila Alysbury and her husband Thomas; Ellen Elson; and Maura Zaval and her husband Ken. Calling hours will be held Wednesday November 30th from 4-7pm at Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, and the funeral service is Thursday December 1st at 10am at St. Pius X Church, both in Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Hospice 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or to Operation Hope of Fairfield, 636 Old Post Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824.
|
McIverPEIAncestry.ca Electronic Family Tree
1937 - 2016 (79 years)
[2, 4, 5, 6, 8] 
