Derek Berrian

Derek Berrian, affectionately known as “Berrian” by his wife and “Legs” by his sister Toni, celebrated his birth on August 21, 1956 in Jersey City, New Jersey. A few days later, he, along with his parents, Albert and Mary, and his older siblings, Brenda, Toni and Albert, relocated to Ohio: a frequent pattern because his father, a university professor, changed jobs from the East Coast to the South. From 1961-1962, the family moved to the Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, where Derek learned how to speak Lingala and French.

Some of Derek’s best years were spent on the campus of Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), where he and his brother Albert roamed freely. In the early 1970s, Derek attended high school in upstate New York, where his passion for bowling and basketball took root. Afterwards, he studied Business and Accounting at Virginia State College and eventually relocated to Silver Spring, Maryland, for his parents had settled there. After meeting Frank Warren, Derek accepted a position as Chief Financial Officer at Full Citizenship of Maryland, a community-based center for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Displaying a soothing manner, Derek loved to talk to the staff and clients. Called the “money man” by the staff, he was available day and night during a crisis.

In 1977, 45 years ago in Washington D.C., Derek met Cathy Dodson, the love of his life who became his wife on July 31, 1980. Two peas in a pod! Very devoted to each other, they enjoyed going out to dinner and the movies. Most of all, they liked to gamble in the casinos of Maryland and Las Vegas.

Having been a mischievous child with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile in the corner of his mouth, Derek liked to tell jokes which developed into a dry wit in adulthood. Without a doubt, Derek lived life to the fullest. A family man, a loving son-in-law to Thelma Dodson, and brother-in-law to Everett and Beverly Dodson, a loving son, brother, husband and uncle. Often, he and his oldest sister Brenda discussed their love for music. He and his sister Toni shared risqué jokes, and he especially enjoyed spending quality time with his six nieces and nephews.

Although gone too soon, Derek will always reside inside all of his family members.

A viewing for Derek will be held Monday, April 4, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904, with the service to follow at 11:00 AM. A committal service will take place at 1:30 PM at Norbeck Memorial Park, 16625 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney, Maryland 20832.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com for the Berrian family.