David M. McDermott, Hamden Hall Friend and Supporter

Longtime automotive executive and Hamden Hall supporter and friend David M. McDermott of Palm Beach, Fla., and Essex, Conn., died peacefully on July 17 at the age of 87. His wife of 61 years, Sally Murphy McDermott, died a day earlier. David is survived by his daughters Kerry, Kimberly, and Kaitlin, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

David was born in New Haven on Jan. 13, 1937. He grew up in Boston and Connecticut and developed a lifelong love of boating and travel. After graduating from Boston University with a degree in business, David enjoyed a distinguished career in the automotive industry. He owned and operated McDermott Automotive Group in New Haven and East Haven. His generosity of spirit and unwavering support were felt by all who knew him - including our Hamden Hall Community.

 

For more than three decades, David coordinated the Lexus Champions for Charities component of Hamden Hall's annual golf tournament through David McDermott Lexus of New Haven. Because of his volunteer spirit and commitment to education, more than $1 million was raised in support of scholarship and athletic opportunities at Hamden Hall. In 2024, the school named the tournament in David's honor as a way to acknowledge and thank him for his long-standing support. The June 17, 2024, event was officially called the 33rd David McDermott Golf Tournament & Auction. A plaque stating the new name of the tournament and citing David's "30 years of unwavering support" hangs in the foyer of the Beckerman Athletic Center at Hamden Hall's Skiff Street Athletic Complex. 

Hamden Hall extends sincere condolences to the McDermott family.

To read David's obituary, please click here.