Born in Providence, the beloved son of Ronald and Marilyn (Mello) Zannini of New Bedford, he was a lifelong City Resident.
Derek attended Holy Family-Holy Name School and went on to get his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from U-Mass Dartmouth. After winning the Judge’s Choice Award by entering the New Bedford Standard Times Photography Contest, he went on to earn his Certificate of Photography at Rhode Island School of Design.
Derek loved composing music and lyrics. He won first prize at the U-Mass Talent Contest for playing his own piano composition. Derek also played percussion in the U-Mass concert band and was a drummer for the jazz band.
Derek worked as a social worker, as part of a wonderful team, for the Department of Children & Families at the Plymouth Area Office. He previously worked at Better Community Living as a Program Director and Fellowship Health Resources as a Mental Health Counselor.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by five uncles, Bradford Mello and his wife Diane, Wayne Mello and his wife Chris, Anthony Campanile and his wife Cecile, John Zannini and his wife Joan and Richard Zannini and his wife Marie. He is also survived by his Godmother, Sheila Mello.
His visitation will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021 from 10:00AM-12:30PM at WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at DARTMOUTH, 230 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth, MA with a 12:30PM service in the funeral home followed by burial at Rural Cemetery, New Bedford.
Donations in Derek Zannini's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research. For online tributes: www.waring-sullivan.com.
