COL. (Ret) Robert (Bob) DeMont of Holly Springs, North Carolina and Paris, Maine passed away February 4, 2024 at home. Born Sept. 20, 1937 and raised in Niles, OH, COL DeMont was the third of four sons of George and Isabelle DeMont.
Bob was an all-state football player in high school, earning him attention and the opportunity for admittance into the US Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1959. He went on to embody the values of Duty, Honor, Country for 28 years as an Army officer, serving two tours in Vietnam and making many lifelong friends along the way. Following his military service he spent 15 years as a program manager with General Dynamics in Michigan, and has lived in NC for the last 22 years since his retirement.
Bob was known for his strong work ethic in all areas of life. The family motto has been “No one stops working until Grandad stops”, and no one could keep up with him even in his 80’s. He was a strong servant leader at work and home. He lifted others up, putting them ahead of himself. He was the first to see a need and jump in to help neighbors, family and friends.
Bob spent countless hours mentoring young people, encouraging them to be their best selves in academics, work, and in physical and mental fitness. He spoke with high schoolers about their challenges and college decisions, and specifically helped many decide to attend West Point.
He was always positive and never spent a moment in self-pity. He encouraged and modeled how to pick yourself up and keep moving on. Throughout his life, he maintained a great sense of humor. Laughter often filled the room when he was around. He never lost his sense of humor even into his final weeks as he smiled and rolled his eyes at our jokes.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Julie, his son, Bob (wife Christine), daughter, Pam, daughter, Angelica (husband Derek), 11 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and brother, Tom (wife MaryAnn). He was preceded in death by his parents and his 2 older brothers, Paul and George.
Family and his faith in God were front and center in his life as seen in his hard work, service to his family, to others and to our country. A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held at St. Francis United Methodist Church, 2965 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary, NC 27518 on Monday, March 4, at 2 p.m. EST followed by light refreshments while visiting with the family at the church. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bob's final resting place in Paris, Maine later in the summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to
· The Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, 20 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC 27710, https://tischbraintumorcenter.duke.edu/ways-give-0;
· CaringBridge.org; or
· The West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Rd., West Point, NY 10996, wpaog.org.
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