Michael Melford McDermott
June 4, 1953 – November 9, 2022
Michael Melford McDermott, 69, of Maidens, VA entered into the Promised Land on November 9, 2022, following a brave fight against lung cancer. The love of his life, his wife, Felice, and his two sons, his life’s pride, Michael Royce and Troy Anthony, were by his bedside in their home.
Michael was a pillar of the recovery community and fought tirelessly to expand access to recovery support services, reduce stigma about Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in the general population, and build public-private partnerships. He founded Faces and Voices of Recover of Virginia (FAVOR) in 2020 to improve Virginia’s recovery outcomes by identifying service needs, gaps, and successes. Michael was well known in the halls of the General Assembly and led the charge to ensure people with SUD had a seat at the table. His legacy lives on in the many advocates he mentored and lives he touched.
Michael will be thoroughly missed by all who knew and loved him, including his family members: Nicole Giordano (daughter-in-law), Ken & Rose Pavlick, Michael & Karin Pavlick, Mary Jane & Michael Waller, JoAnne Hauser, Cousin Joy & Marty Schreck, and many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alton Royce McDermott, SGM US Army retired, who passed away in 2002.
Interment will be private.
My heart and love is with you all. May Michael’s memory be a blessing and may his legacy provide strength for years to come in both the SUD community and beyond.
I’ve known Michael for many years now. I’ve watched him as a devoted husband, then a devoted Father and great provider for his family, and ultimately a pillar of the community. I always admired his quick wit and dynamic personality. He will be sorely missed by all I’m sure.
Oh, Felice, I’m so very sorry to read this today! My heart goes out to you and the boys. He was a bright light in the memories I have of my BRAT life. Again, so very sorry!!!
Healing love to the family.
So sorry to hear of Mr. McDermott’a passing. He was a good friend of my Dad’s, Harold Brown. Who passed away on November 6th. Back in March Mr. McDermott drove up to NJ to visit with my Dad during his illness. May God grant your family peace and strength in the days, weeks, and years to come.
So sorry to hear this news. We have fond memories of meeting up at the Three different Stuttgart/Ludwigsburg reunions over the past several years. Thinking of all of you. Kelly Connors and family
All my love and condolences to Felice and the family.
I will always remember all the great times we shared at the Melody.
Rest now, Mike. Your work here is done. May Heaven bless you with the peace you deserve.
Stuttgart Stallions will certainly miss you very much. Cathy (Hewitt) Knight c/o ‘71
Felice, I am so sorry. May God’s grace and peace be with you, Troy, and Michael as you navigate this journey without him by your side.
Mike you are now resting in peace in heaven. You will be missed by so many, Stallions, friends and family. Bless you and your family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
May you rest in piece Mike. Another Stuttgart Stallion has left an imprint on our hearts. He was dedicated to making life better for those in need and the many things he was passionate about. To his family I am sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy for the family. I am sending you love and prayers for strength and peace. Mike will be long remembered by many. Fellow BRAT, c/o ’71.
I am so sorry about your loss. Sending love and prayers to you, Felice.
Dear Felice and your family, We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. We are thinking of you and wishing you peace. Jack and Liz
Sending prayers to Mike’s family at this sad time. Hard to imagine he left us so young.
Fellow Stallion, Class of 71.
So sorry to hear this news – Big Mike was a legendary presence back on the day in New Brunswick… And reading of his life legacy is as uplifting as his own recovery story. It’s inspiring to know that he was able to bring that power and presence to such great service to so many! Sincere condolences to you Felice, and to your entire family… 💜💜
Drew Pieros
Former NB Irregular Adjunct
My deepest sympathies to his wife and sons and all who loved him.
He was always a leader at Stuttgart American High School and loved his alma mater.
He will be missed! Class of ‘71 Mary Boyer Turner
Love you buddy rest easy.
I’m so sorry to hear about this sudden and tragic turn for the worst. He was an incredible man and a pillar in the community who helped many people suffering with substance abuse. I’ll be praying for y’all
Sending prayers of comfort to Mike’s family and friends. Mike loved Stuttgart American High School and it’s alumni. He was happiest at our reunions no matter the size. Save me a spot up in heaven!
My sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends. Mike loved life, people, helping others, and his beloved Stuttgart High School Stallions Family. Mike, you leave a legacy in Stuttgart Stallion hearts especially our Class of ‘71. Rest well.
I was Mike’ teacher at Stuttgart American High School. A great student who grew up to be a great man. He will be missed /
I remember Mike as one of the most interesting and intelligent people I ever met.
He had a wry sense of humor that I appreciated most of all
My sincere condolences to his Family..
May he Rest In Peace.
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I pray that in time your wonderful memories will replace your loss and bring peace to your heart.
Reading this really saddens me… as I remember Mike very well at SHS; he was the Senior Class President, and I was a lowly sophomore, looking up to this tall, mature leader of the class !!
And fortunately over the years since 1971 and 1972, we kept in contact!
A good man! A wonderful Ambassador for SHS!
Onward Stallions Onward!
Doug Turrell, class of ‘73. #44
Michael was KIND. I will always be grateful for how he supported us both professionally and personally. He was a great advocate but an even better friend. He will be missed!
Michael was such a loving and caring person. I’ll admit would always get on my nerves during Area Service but I would always give him a hug at the end just to see him smile. I will miss him very much.
Prayers to Mike’s family and I know he will be missed. His Stuttgart Stallion family will also miss him and his larger than life presence at our reunions. Rest In Peace Michael.
May you finally rest. Your life and work will always be noticed.
Thank you for being a pillar in the recovery community and leading by example in all you did! I’ll miss you Michael.
My prayers go out to the family. Michael was a specia person and I always loved seeing him and hearing from him. I last saw him in Dallas with his son Micheal. It was a joy filled dinner with lots of laughter. Vaya con Dios Mr. President.