Kenneth E. Derrick

Kenneth E. Derrick, 69, of Marlborough, CT. passed away on December 20, 2017 after a brief but valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Ken was one of five children born to Eldridge and Isabelle (Smith) Derrick on September 1, 1948. He was raised and attended local schools in East Hartford, CT. He received his B.A.in Social Work from Central Connecticut State College. After brief stints with the Advest Brokerage Firm and the Connecticut Labor Department, Ken worked at the Department of Social Services as an eligibility worker. After years of hard work and dedication Ken retired from state service in July of 2009 with the title of Regional Manager and was sorely missed for his kind and fair leadership.

Ken was an avid sports fan and rooted for the N.Y. Yankees, N.Y. Giants, and UConn Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. He loved to travel with his wife Deb by his side and was blessed to see much of the world. Like most of his family he could lose himself in novels, particularly ones with historical content. He also loved fine dining, spending time at the shore, family gatherings and hosting many Christmas Eves. He was also an animal advocate and loved his four-legged furry friends "Buck"," Katy", "Beauster" and "Katie Kid". “He was the gentlest human being I had the privilege of loving”, said his wife Deb. Ken was pre-deceased by his parents; his sister Karen Kelly and her husband Paul and his sister Lesley Chase and her husband Paul. He will be missed beyond belief by his loving wife Deb of 39 years. He is also survived by his sister Bea and her husband Gary of Missouri; his sister Margaret and her husband William Reggio of Florida; his nieces and nephews Tracy and her husband John Magnotta; Kathy Brown and her husband Eric, Mary Kelly; Christine Nair and her husband Adam; Jennifer Chase and her son Julian; Sarah Chase; Paul Chase and wife Ana with their daughter Carolina; Andre and his wife Anne Marie Reggio; Elizabeth Osleger and her husband Eric, and Jake Magnotta, Jessica Magnotta and Connor and Russell Brown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. A memorial service will be held on January 6, 2018 11am-1pm at the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford CT 06108. Burial is private and at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com