Peter J. Derba,Jr. aged 81, of N North Reading, Mass, died on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, peacefully in his sleep after a long illness.
Peter was born on November 25, 1937, in Brookline, Mass, to Peter J. Derba Sr. and Florence (Walsh) Derba. Peter graduated from Matignon HS ’55, Boston College class of ’59, and Indiana University, MBA, class of ’61. He was Boston College Student Band Director and Glee Club Director, and Sr. Class Officer ROTC. Peter highly valued his BC education with graduate daughters Nina and Carla and son Peter. As an avid musician, piano player and clarinet player, Peter was orchestra leader of Pete Derba Music. He went on to own several businesses, President and Partner of Roth Young Personnel Boston, Philadelphia, and Miami, President and Partner Towne Lynne House, Lynnfield, and President Derba Associates. Peter was an avid golfer and long-time member of Salem Country Club of 42 years. He was founder of the Black Rum Golf Association, a group of North American and Bermudian golfers who work to promote the game of golf. Peter was a loving husband, father and brother.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of 57 years, a son Peter J. III, and wife Sarah of Montclair, NJ; daughter Nina and husband Steven Ring of Kentfield, CA; daughter Lucia and husband Mitchell Krinsky, Esq of Andover, MA, daughter Carla and husband Dr. John Knab of Wilmington, NC; daughter Eva and husband Russell LaMontagne of Winchester, MA. He is also survived by his brother Robert M. Derba and wife Patricia of Florida and sister Donna Marie Fries of Florida. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren: Maximilian, Joshua, Hunter, Camille, Jacqueline, Aidan, Farrah, Dahlia, Opal, Clive and Isabella. He is predeceased by his parents Peter J. Sr. and Florence Walsh.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family on Wednesday from 4 – 8 Pm at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St. Medford and again on Thursday Morning, May 9th at 9 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 AM in St Joseph Church, 118 High St. Medford. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Peter's name to the Merrimack Valley Hospice of Haverhill, c/o 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence 01843 or to the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Hospital, Bedford, 200 spring road, Bedford, MA 01730.