David Scott Derohanian

Born during the 1964 measles epidemic, David faced extraordinary challenges from the very beginning. Born blind, deaf, and with multiple disabilities associated with congenital measles complications, he entered a world where doctors could offer only limited hope, and his life expectancy was estimated to be just five years. His story is a powerful reminder of why we get the measles and rubella vaccines today – to protect children from the devastating complications that result from these diseases, and to prevent another generation from facing the challenges David endured.

Yet David defied every expectation. At the age of five, he became a part of the Oak Hill School for the Blind community. As an adult, he transitioned to an Oak Hill-affiliated group home, Robert Edwards Group Home, where he continued to receive the attentive care and companionship that became such an important part of his life. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to his caregiver of 28 years, Keith Kaczmarcyk, whose extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and genuine affection profoundly enhanced David's quality of life. Keith's enduring commitment exemplified the very best of compassionate caregiving and he will always remain an important part of David’s story. His last month was at the CIB – Watertown Group Home where he continued to receive exceptional care.

Though he faced challenges most of us cannot imagine, his life was a testament to perseverance, dignity, and the profound impact of compassionate caregiving. Because of the unwavering dedication, compassion, and expertise of the staff at Oak Hill, he was given not only exceptional care but also a loving environment in which he could thrive. What began as a prognosis of only five years became a life of sixty-one years, made possible through decades of expert care, advocacy, compassion, and support from the entire Oak Hill community.

David is survived by his mother, Mary Ann (Livingstone) Derohanian; his brother, Joseph Derohanian and his sons Tyler and Cory; his sister and her husband, Lori (Derohanian) and Douglas Michalek and their son Griffin; and his late brother Daniel Derohanian’s children, Kevin, Kelsey, and Courtney. David was preceded in death by his father, Charles and his brother, Daniel.

Oak Hill provided David with far more than care. It gave him a home, a community, and the opportunity to live a life that exceeded every expectation. Through the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and lifelong support of the Oak Hill staff and caregivers, he lived to the age of 61. His family will be forever grateful for the gift of those additional years and hope that donations made in his memory will help Oak Hill continue its mission of enriching the lives of others with disabilities.

Funeral services will be private and by invitation only. Please respect the family’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to Oak Hill, 120 Holcomb Street, Hartford, CT 06112 or Oakhillct.org. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com