Robert “Bob” McDermott, 78, of Chester, NH, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, with his two children by his side, holding his hands.
Bob bravely fought cancer on and off for three years following the loss of his beloved wife, Maureen. He passed away exactly three years and three days after her passing, and his family finds comfort in knowing they are together again in Heaven.
Born December 30, 1947, in Dorchester, MA, Bob was the son of the late Robert and Alice (Tisdale) McDermott. He proudly served in the National Guard and enjoyed a long career as a Regional Sales Manager with Verizon/Nynex.
One of Bob’s greatest joys was being “Grampy” to Robbie, Conor and Hadley. They were his pride and joy, and he never missed a school event, practice or game.
Bob was truly larger than life. A well-known paranormal investigator, avid reader and researcher, he gave popular presentations on the Smuttynose Island murders and founded New England Sky Watchers, hosting public skywatches throughout New Hampshire. He loved fishing, days on the family pontoon boat and, above all, spending time with his family.
Bob was a man of faith, character and tremendous kindness. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable way of making everyone he encountered feel welcomed, cared for and seen.
Bob is survived by his beloved children, Kerri McDermott and Robert McDermott; cherished grandchildren, Robbie McDermott, Conor McDermott and Hadley McDermott; his sister, Lois Knight; brother-in-law Marty Keane; sisters-in-law Christine McNeil and Marie Keane; nephews Brian Knight, Danny O’Brien, Brendan Keane, Tommy Keane, Jonathan Keane and Bobby Keane; and nieces Kristine Davis, Julie Fennel, Courtney Bruno and Jennifer McNeil. He also leaves behind Jen Coughlin and the Hanley family, and Kelsey Delfaco and the Delfaco family, who have long been part of one big, loving family, as well as many treasured friends.
Bob lived fully, loved fiercely and touched countless lives. He was deeply loved, will be profoundly missed and will never be forgotten.
Following cremation, calling hours will be held Monday, August 17, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry, NH. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to CancerCare, a nonprofit providing free support and resources to individuals and families navigating cancer. https://www.cancercare.org/donate-now