Leonard Mcdermott

.Terryville, CT Leonard A. McDermott, 73, died unexpectedly on February 4, 2025 at his home.

Leonard was born on June 19, 1951 in Waterbury, CT, the son of the late Andrew and Marie (Sabia) McDermott. Raised in Naugatuck, he graduated from Naugatuck High School. He continued his education at Teikyo Post University and Quinnipiac University School of Law.

Leonard was employed as an Adult Services Instructor at Southbury Training School for 18 years and became involved with the Connecticut State Employees union. His experience as a union steward inspired him to go back to school and pursue a career in employment law.

He was an adjunct professor of Legal Studies at Post University from 2000 until the time of his death. He also established his own legal practice, Employee Advocates, LLC in Naugatuck, which he operated from 2002 to 2023.

Leonard was a lifelong musician who played guitar in multiple bands in his youth. He enjoyed fly fishing and was a member of Trout Unlimited for many years.

Leonard is survived by his daughter, Courtney McDermott and her former partner, Timothy Caulder; his former wife and current partner, Gina McDermott; his niece, Kathleen Bowen; his nephew, Christopher Bowen; his sister-in-law, Ellen Bowen; his brother-in-law, Joseph Bowen and many cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Leonard was predeceased by his sister, Patricia McDermott.

All services will be private and there are no calling hours. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. In lieu of flowers and to honor Leonard’s memory, donations are requested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org.