Dan Leo McDermott

Daniel Leo McDermott passed away on December 14, 2024, in Rio Ranco, New Mexico due to Alzheimer’s disease, at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, Michell (Shell) McDermott, his stepson, Corey Fiala, his brothers, John McDermott, Rom McDermott, Bill McDermott, his sisters, Mary Lang and Sheila McDermott and his niece, Ali Lang. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Katherine McDermott and his father, Amos (Duff) McDermott.

Dan was born on October 7, 1955, and raised in Kirkwood, Missouri. He attended St. Louis University High School, graduating in 1974 and St. Louis University, graduating with a master’s degree in Speech Pathology in 1987. 

When Dan was in his mid-twenties, he moved to Honduras and volunteered in the Teatro La Fragua Theater Company at the Yoro Mission in El Progresso. He remained there for a year, becoming fluent in Spanish.

Dan demonstrated his musical talents at an early age. He played several instruments including guitar, mandolin, violin, banjo, and dulcimer and performed in several bands as a teen and adult. A highlight for Dan was a yearly performance of Irish music with his friend Gerry Carthy on St. Patrick’s Day in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

After receiving his master’s degree, Dan worked as a speech pathologist at several public elementary schools in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was also one of two certified bilingual speech pathologists in the state.

Dan was generous, kind and caring with all he met. He was loved by family, colleagues, students, and friends. He will be missed but he has left behind many warm and happy memories.