Joseph Francis Derrico

Joe graduated in 1954 from Mount St. Michael Academy in the Bronx, NY, where he was an All-City halfback. That fall, he began his studies at the University of Notre Dame. He graduated in 1958 with a degree in Commerce/Accounting. During his senior year, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Ann Cunniffe (“Meg”), at the Log Cabin Chapel on the Notre Dame campus.

During their 37 years of marriage, Joe and Meg raised nine children in Mamaroneck, NY, and Spring Lake, NJ, until Meg’s passing in 1995. Throughout those years, Joe was deeply involved in his community, especially at Saint John and Paul Parish in Larchmont, NY, where he served on the parish council and as a Scoutmaster.

Joe’s career was primarily in the recycling industry, beginning with his family’s company, where he represented the third generation of leadership. After the company dissolved, he held senior management positions with several Fortune 500 paper companies before eventually founding his own recycling company, JFD Associates.

In 1996, Joe met Marthe Baker, and they later married in Spring Lake, NJ. Together, they split their time between Ocean Grove, NJ, and Hobe Sound, FL, living in the Eaglewood Golf and Tennis Community. Joe was an avid golfer and tennis player who loved the Eaglewood community. He served as a board member of the homeowner’s association and participated in numerous committees.

He was also known for his culinary skills and was very active in the community’s social life. As a parishioner of St. Christopher’s Church in Hobe Sound, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 10718.

Joe remained a dedicated alumnus of the University of Notre Dame throughout his life. He served as a board member of the Notre Dame Alumni Clubs in Spring Lake, NJ, and Stuart, FL, and later as Florida’s Regional Director for the Notre Dame Senior Alumni Group.

In addition to his wife, Marthe, Joe is survived by his children: Joseph Jr. of Hobe Sound, FL; Andrea of Charlotte, NC; Christopher of Ridgewood, NJ; Donald of Mamaroneck, NY; Paul of Charlotte, NC; Tim of White Plains, NY; and Kate of Manalapan, NJ. He was predeceased by his children, Meg and Scott Michael. Joe was also blessed with 26 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 12001 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, US, on March 9, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.