Jerry Derby

Long-time Monroe resident Gerald “Jerry” Derby died on March 15, 2026, shortly after his 95th birthday.

Jerry was born in rural western New York state and enlisted in the Navy after high school. Ironically, he was only on a ship once. He served most of his time working as a radio operator on flights tracking naval activity during the Cold War.

Following his time in the service, he joined a Navy friend in Detroit to work for a defense contractor. The friend set him up on a blind date with Nelly, a Dutch immigrant who became the love of his life. They were married a year later and eventually moved to Monroe, where they raised their four children.

Jerry was an excellent bowler, playing in both men’s and mixed leagues and once coming just shy of bowling a 300 game. He was also an avid softball player and golfer.

After retirement Jerry and Nelly traveled to her home country and enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and through the Panama Canal. When she was diagnosed with cancer, he became a gentle, untiring caregiver who did everything he could to make their time together meaningful before she passed away.

Jerry was a quiet, modest man who could surprise you with his sense of humor. He adored his wife and their children, Denise, Mary Jean, Matt, and Theresa. He was proud of his nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and delighted in playing with them. His family and friends will remember him as hard-working, generous, kind, and loving.

Visitation will take place at Rupp Funeral Home, Monroe, on Friday, March 20, 6:00-8:00 PM, and Saturday, March 21, 12:00-1:00 PM. The memorial service will begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday, with Pastor Jon Swanson officiating. Internment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, with a military honor guard service under the auspice of the VFW Monroe Post 1138. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Jerry are suggusted to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital at www.stjude.org or to the charity of the donors choice. 

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com