Rob Derrick, age 64, of Newark, DE, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 with his wife at his side. Rob courageously battled Parkinson’s disease for the past 25 years, not giving in to its limitations until more recent times. Born and raised in Clearfield, PA, he was the son of the late Robert L., Sr., and Odessa M. (Walley) Derrick.
Rob graduated from Clearfield Area High School in 1968. He then attended Williamsport Vocational School where he learned his trade. He was an aircraft mechanic at Piper Aircraft in Quehanna, PA, Lockheed in Marietta, GA, Eastern Airlines in Atlanta, GA, and retired from Boeing Helicopter in Ridley Park, PA.
In healthier years, Rob enjoyed spending time canoeing, hunting and fishing. He was a longtime member of White Clay Fly Fishers, where he developed his love of fly fishing and tying his own flies.
Rob deeply loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Susan Hazel Derrick; his former wife and mother of his children, Gloria Robinson Esquilin; daughter, Jacqueline Neidinger and husband, Erik, of Frederick, MD; sons, Aaron Derrick and wife, Denise, of Clearfield, PA, and Todd Derrick of Clearfield, PA. He was proud “Pap” to seven grandchildren; Jessica Maines, Kaylie English and her husband, Matt, Joshua Derrick, Noah Neidinger, Dessa Neidinger, Matthew Derrick, Casey Derrick; and a great grandson, Trenton English.
Rob is also survived by his sister, Susan Bielawski and companion Wilson Ruth; nephew, Anthony Bielawski and wife Jill; and nieces Melissa Clemmer and husband Andy, and Pamela Bielawski.
Rob leaves behind many loving sister and brother-in-laws, two aunts and an uncle, nephews, nieces, and cousins. He will also be deeply missed by his faithful Cocker spaniel, Toby, who was always at his side to comfort him.
The family would like to extend deep gratitude to Dorothy Hazel, Rob’s mother-in-law, who graciously assisted in his care over the past few years, enabling him to remain in the comfort of his own home. His family also appreciates the great kindness and attention that the Staff of Compassionate Care Hospice provided.
Rob will be cremated and returned to Clearfield, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution checks can be made to “Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research”, “American Parkinson’s Disease Association”, or “Compassionate Care Hospice” and sent c/o R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., 122 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711. To send condolences visit www.rtfoard.com.