Community mourns Robert DeMars Jr., at 72

Longtime Merrick Fire Department member and former Honorary Chief of Department Robert DeMars Jr. died on June 18 in his hometown of Merrick. He was 72 years old. He is survived by his wife, Grace, his mother, Ellen DeMars, and many nieces and nephews.

DeMars, also known to many as Bob, Teddy Bear or Bear, was loved and admired by many, said Merrick Fire Department ex-Chief Paul Waterman. “Bob was a funny person with a heart of gold and had the nickname of Teddy Bear,” Waterman said. “He would do anything for anyone. He was very proud of the fact that he was a third-generation firefighter in Merrick Hook & Ladder, preceded by his father and grandfather.”

Born on May 17, 1945, to Ellen and Robert, DeMars inherited his passion for the Merrick Fire Department after his grandfather Albert DeMars and his father, Robert DeMars Sr., both served in the department. On June 6, 1967, DeMars was sworn into probationary membership at Merrick Hook & Ladder Co. 1 and was assigned Badge No. 8. At the time, the probationary period was six months, and in December of 1967, DeMars was voted into full active membership.

From October 1968 to August 1971, DeMars honorably served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After suffering injuries in Vietnam, DeMars was decorated with the Purple Heart medal.

Upon his return to Merrick, DeMars advanced through the fire department’s ranks. He served as a corresponding secretary, financial secretary, second lieutenant and first lieutenant before reaching captain in 1977.

Throughout his time in the department, DeMars continued to serve the company on several committees. He was a member of the Board of Trustees, and he was involved in department-wide events such as serving on the committee for the annual installation dinner. He also pitched and played softball on the Merrick Fire Department chief’s softball team for many years.

Waterman said DeMars got to know each young firefighter who joined the Merrick Hook & Ladder. “He would always take the time to talk to the younger members and share his firefighting experiences with them in the hopes that they would learn something form it,” Waterman said. “He was very proud of his service in Vietnam and the fact that he was a veteran. He would always put others ahead of himself.”

As DeMars’s health began to decline seriously, and in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the company and department over the past 49 years, the company unanimously voted to make DeMars an Honorary Chief of Department at its most recent meeting on June 7. Only select individuals have received the title.

DeMars’s funeral was held on June 21 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in North Merrick, where he was an active parishioner. He was surrounded by hundreds of family members, friends, supporters and veterans.