Richard W. Derby

Richard W. Derby

Beloved father, grandfather, great grand-father, brother

Richard W. Derby, 93, a longtime resident of Pelham, NH, passed away peacefully on Monday May 27, 2024, at Vantage Care in Chelmsford, MA.

He was the loving husband of the late Rita (Boucher) Derby and the late Linda (Driscoll) Derby.

Born in Medford, Massachusetts, May 21, 1931, the son of the late Richard and the late Florence (Norton) Derby, Sr., he attended Billerica Schools and was a graduate of Billerica High School (former Howe High School).

Richard had many jobs starting as a shoeshine boy and then a paper boy and later with Rosenbloom’s in Lowell, Mass. However, he then became the owner and operator of Derby Monument in Pelham, NH which he started in 1971 and worked until 2019. In addition, he was a bail bondsman, and justice of the peace.

Dick was very active in the Town of Pelham, as a Selectman, Cemetery trustee, Supervisor of the check list, Trustee of the trust funds and other boards. He was also very involved in the Lions Club, and St. Patrick’s Bingo where he met his wife, Rita.

One of his passions in life was being a volunteer fireman, he would spend his time as a child hanging around the fire stations in Billerica and Medford and became a volunteer fireman after moving to Pelham. In his high school yearbook, a quote was listed “when the fire bell rings and the whistle blows, Dick will be there with helmet and hose”.

Dick is survived by his daughter Donna M. Allen and her husband Walter “Bucky” of Pelham NH and his son Richard E. Derby and his wife Katherine of New Boston NH, 5 grandchildren Rachael Spanos, Patrick Allen, Staci Dirocco, Jennifer Lagasse and Kyle Derby and 4 great grandchildren, Isaac, Richard, Jonathan and Benjamin. He is survived by his sister Sandra Fowler, and special family friends Pauline Farmer and Neil Fineman.

He was also predeceased by his stepfather Robert Fowler and his sisters Phyllis Mandarano and Joyce Andrews.

Friends may call on Thursday May 30, 2024, at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME 11 NASHUA RD. in PELHAM from 4 to 7 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Graveside Services on Friday morning May 31, 2024, at the Gibson Cemetery at 11 o’clock. (Please meet at the cemetery). E-condolences/directions at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Professional Fire Fighters of Pelham, 36 Village Sq., Pelham, NH 03076 or the Jett Foundation, 65 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 130, Plymouth, MA 02360. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F, O’Donnell, Jr. (603) 635-3333.

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