The Reverend Richard A. DeMott was born on January 17, 1930, at Rockville Centre, Long Island.  He was the only child of Eva and Arthur DeMott.   He was married for over 35 years to his loving wife, Jane R. DeMott, who preceded him in death in March 2009.

Richard received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1952 from Union College, Schenectady, New York.  He received his Master of Theology from Yale University Divinity School in 1955 and became an ordained Presbyterian minister in Connecticut in 1955.  He received his Master of Sacred Theology from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1966 and completed his seminary studies at the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York in 1974.  He was ordained as priest in the Protestant Episcopal Church United States of America on December 21, 1976.  After ordination he served as an associate rector at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Herndon, Virginia, and helped to develop and nurture a mission congregation at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Sterling, Virginia.  He served as Vicar at St. Matthew's for over 18 years including serving as Dean for Region 13 of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.  Richard and Jane retired in 1995.

Richard and Jane always spent their summer vacations in the beautiful mountains of Boone, North Carolina, and decided on that location for retirement.  They had their home built in the Town of Seven Devils (everyone thought that was an appropriate town for a priest to retire.)  Richard continued his ministry and service after retirement and served as the pastor of Our Savior Lutheran/Episcopal Church in Newland, North Carolina for a number of years.  In addition, he also served on occasion at his own church, St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock.   He truly loved providing the Word and Sacraments to others.

Richard was passionate about the importance of education (for all ages) and spoke frequently about his own personal faith and ministry.  His thought-inspired messages came from the heart - many times with a touch of humor.  Richard was also intensely focused on protecting the environment, especially water conservation and continued awareness of water pollution.  He served on the Town Council for many years at Seven Devils and as Mayor pro Tem from 2002-2009.  He was very active with the High Country Council of Governments and with Watauga River Partners.  He had a keen awareness of current events, and read many daily newspapers.  He was an avid reader, a history enthusiast, a Baltimore Orioles baseball fan, and enjoyed stamp collecting for many years.

Richard extended his kindness, caring, and generosity to many.  He will be truly missed by his dear friends, colleagues and neighbors.

Memorial Services  for The Reverend Richard DeMott will be conducted Saturday morning, May 19, 2018, at 10:00 o'clock, at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his home church, St. Mary of the Hills, P.O. Box 14, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 or to Watauga River Partners Chapter of Blue Ridge Conservancy, P.O. Box 568, Boone, NC 28607.