John Henry Derby

John Henry Derby, 55, of Wauchula, originally of Claymont, Delaware, passed away peacefully after a long illness, on July 14, 2014, surrounded by his family. Born in Willmington, Delaware, he was the son of the late Daniel and Virginia Derby of Salisbury, Maryland. He attended Claymont High School, graduating in 1977. John worked for Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation (FINR) for 23 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wauchula. John will be remembered as a funny, warm, out-going and friendly man who made his mark on the world by his basic goodness and generosity of character. He had an innate ability to bring laughter to all situations. He had a steadfast love and devotion to his family and friends, loved the beach, fishing, weight-lifting, metal detecting, and helping others. Anyone who had the opportunity to meet John was truly blessed. He will be dearly missed...but never forgotten. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Richard Derby. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Deborah Garafelo Derby; eight children, Laurie Derby Stewart (Chad) of Ruskin, John (Samantha) of New Port Richey, Anthony (Angela) of Brandon, Ryan of Brandon, Vincent (Jacklyn) of Naples, Ashley (August Wickey) of Wauchula, Hayley (RJ Bellflower) of Wauchula, and Kaylee of Wauchula; 17 grandchildren, two brothers, Dan (Donna) of Lexington, North Carolina and Charles of Accomac, Virginia; three sisters, Mary (Pei) Ma of Billerica, Massachusetts, Julie Dempsey of Wilmington, Delaware, and Jane (Pat) Crowe of Newark, Delaware; brother-in-law, Vincent (Donna) Garafelo; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins too numerous to mention. A memorial service will be held in his honor at First Baptist Church of Wauchula at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 18, 2014, with a luncheon immediately following the service. Visitation is prior to the service at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be sent to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lone Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778, or First Baptist Church, 1570 W. Main St., Wauchula, FL 33873.

John Henry Derby

July 11, 1959 - July 14, 2014