Charles R. "Bubba"

McDermott

Charles Robert McDermott, 89, a lifelong resident of New York City, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Known to friends and acquaintances as Charles, Charlie, or Bobby, he was affectionately known to his family as "Bubba."

Born on June 13, 1937, he was the son of the late Thomas and Mary Margaret McDermott. He graduated from St. Ann's High School in Brooklyn and earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Manhattan College, a Master of Arts from Columbia University, and a Master of Business Administration from New York University. Charles was also a proud veteran of the United States Navy, where he traveled extensively and experienced different parts of the world.

Charles pursued several professional interests throughout his life, including serving as the Eastern advertising representative for Money magazine for more than 25 years. Following his retirement from the business world, he began another fulfilling chapter as an educator at Dominican Academy in Manhattan. During his 23 years at the school, he taught history and economics and served as chairperson of the History Department. He particularly loved serving as Athletic Director and leading the school's Federal Reserve Challenge team.

A longtime member of the New York Athletic Club, Charles ran for the club's marathon team and competed in the New York City Marathon for more than 20 years. He was also an avid reader who particularly enjoyed spy novels, biographies, and completing the New York Times crossword puzzle daily. Following his retirement from Dominican Academy, he wrote his memoir, appropriately titled My Way. A proud New Yorker, Charles had a deep appreciation for history, education, and the city he always called home.

Charles shared an extraordinary bond with his sister, Maureen "Coco" Connell, whom he affectionately called "Dolly." Having spent their childhood together, they remained lifelong best friends, sharing a special connection that endured throughout their lives.

He is survived by his beloved niece, Laureen Dempsey and her husband, Dr. William Dempsey, of South Abington Township, Pennsylvania. Charles affectionately referred to Laureen as "his person." He is also survived by his nephews, James Connell and his wife, Vicky, of Orange Park, Florida, Thomas Connell and his wife, Laura, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Paul Connell and his wife, Ann, of Tallahassee, Florida; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Maureen "Coco" Connell and Honora McDermott; his brother, Thomas McDermott; and his nephew, Christopher Connell.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Vanston and James Funeral Home in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Services will be private.