Richard Vincent Derry

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2020 at 10:24 am

American flagRichard Vincent Derry, 89, of Medina, passed away on May 21, 2020 at Avow Hospice in Naples, Fla. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y. on Sept. 30, 1930, a son to Helen and Alexander Derzjewski.

He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, and he loved to play golf, bridge, chess, cribbage and tennis. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was wounded in action and later was awarded the Purple Heart. He graduated from Medina High School, received his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Buffalo, and earned his Master of Education at Canisius College. He taught math at the Starpoint Central School District and retired in 1986.

Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce Gracey Derry; daughters, Lisa (Alan) Boyer and husband Alan of Rochester; grandchildren, Robert Boyer and Tricia Titus and husband Gerald; Carole Oaks and husband Andrew of Oaks Corner; grandchildren, Dr. Zachary Oaks and wife Christine; Abigail Sturgis and husband William; Dr. Alexandria Hlinka and husband Jonathan; John Theodore Oaks and wife Chloe; son, John Derry and wife Christine of Springboro, Ohio; grandson, Nicholas; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Louise Franchell.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Alexander, Charles and Edward Derry; and his sisters, Angeline Ball and Dorothy Outz.

The family would like to extend its gratitude to the caring staff and physicians at Avow Hospice and Naples Community Hospital. They are truly angels on earth.

Due to the Covid-19 crisis, a memorial service will be held later this year in Western New York.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local hospice in honor of Richard Derry.