Gary R. McDermott

Gary R. McDermott, 84, of Henderson, entered the loving arms of Jesus on July 2, 2025, at Samaritan Medical Center, surrounded by his family.  Throughout Gary’s life, many other lives were touched in countless ways.

Gary was born September 18, 1940, in Watertown, son of Robert W. and Virginia (Schram) McDermott. He was a very ambitious young man, holding a variety of jobs from a young age.

In 1957, he graduated from Watertown High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree in art education from Buffalo State University.  In 1962, he taught art in the Orange County School District. Although he loved art, Gary had a passion to work with special needs children. After one year of teaching art, he changed to be a special education teacher in the Carthage School District. While there he created a work-study program for students with special needs. The program is now associated with the Education Department’s Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities.  After six years at the Carthage District, he earned his master’s degree in special education from SUNY Geneseo State University College in 1970. Later he earned his certificate in advanced studies from SUNY Oswego State University College.

After receiving his master’s, he was hired as Curriculum Coordinator at Clifton-Essex BOCES. A year later, as Wiley School was finishing construction, he was hired as a fifth-grade teacher. He spent a year in that position when the district transferred him to a special-education position at Case Junior High School. Gary was also appointed BOCES superintendent of secondary special education, which consisted of two classes at Case Junior.  Gary was the Director of Programs for Students with Special Needs for BOCES for the remainder of his working years. He also prepared college students for entry into special education employment through his role as an instructor at Jefferson Community College for some years.  He was dearly loved by all his staff and students and had a huge impact on the lives of many.  In September of 1997 Gary retired from BOCES.

On August 5, 1995, he married Tasia A. Carlos at Trinity Episcopal Church.  He was a wonderful and cherished husband, putting Jesus Christ in the center of their marriage. Gary loved God greatly and served many years as a church trustee at Woodville Congregational Church in Woodville, NY.  Gary was a volunteer for Hospice and supported many families with his charismatic personality and time. He also faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels weekly for many years with Tasia.  Together they enjoyed hunting and fishing, traveling, working on projects, running and exercise. Gary was supportive and an encouragement for all.  In an earlier marriage to Mary Ann Sawyer, four amazing children were created of whom Gary was very proud. 

Surviving besides his wife, Tasia, are his children, Robert (Cynthia), Livingston, TN, Eben (Mary Jane), Meggett, SC, Altha Rae “Ali” McDermott and her husband, Ace Scruggs, Washington, DC, Gary (Ashley), Waxhaw, NC, a sister, Altha Rae O’Driscoll, Worth, NY, a brother-in-law, Louie (Shelly) Carlos, Watertown, NY and a sister-in-law, Cathy (Jeffrey) Craig, Wasilla, AK, thirteen grandchildren, Virginia (Ginnie), Brianna, Kaycie (Ren), Noah, Dylan, Derek, Darby, Robert (Bobby), Michael, Altha (Raeanne), Gary (Stiles), Harold (TC), and Audrey Belle, six great grandchildren, Nathan, Zachariah, Layna, Stetson, Everette, and Ivy Rae, and several nieces and nephews.  Gary’s best buddies, Charlie Hawley, Ron Aten, and Steve Shaver also will miss him.

A brother, Paul A., and brother-in-law, Tom O’Driscoll, died before him. 

Calling hours for the public will be Friday, July 11, 4-7 PM at the Calarco Funeral Home. The funeral service and burial will be at the convenience of the family. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 9th from 1-4pm at the Glen Park Fire Department, to honor Gary R. McDermott. This will be a casual gathering where all who knew him can share memories and celebrate the life of a great man. It is open to all who knew and loved Gary.  Event details are on Facebook Events (search “Celebration of Gary McDermott’s Life”).      

Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Watertown, NY, Rohde Community Center Food Pantry of Adams, NY, or any local nonprofit organization of choice.

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