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Robert Derenda Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Derenda
Shannon Malat
July 27, 2015
Today is our 52nd birthday Robert. I know that I cannot celebrate this day without including you. I thought of you and your family so much today. I still pray for you and them. As I always do, I thank you for sharing this day with me. Someday, I hope we meet. Until then, Happy Heavenly Birthday.
Charlie Gili
March 15, 2015
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Derenda Family know that we recently made a small donation to "Boots on the Ground" in honor of Robert V. Derenda US Army Sergeant 1st Class. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Shannon Malat
July 26, 2014
Robert,
In just a few hours, the clock will pass midnight and it will be July 27th. Our birthday. You are still in my thoughts and in my prayers. I think of your family as well.
Happy Heavenly Birthday to you. Thank you for allowing me to share this day with you once again. God Bless you Robert.
Peggy Childers
August 6, 2013
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Robert V. Derenda:
Always remembering Robert. "Some gave all."
November 23, 2012
Sgt First Class Robert Derenda, still remembered, respected and honored even after all these years.
Shannon Malat
December 15, 2011
As the war in Iraq comes to an end, I wanted the Derenda family to know that Robert's sacrifice is not forgotten. May you find some peace in knowing other families will not have to suffer your pain. Rest in Peace SGT. 1st Class Robert V. Derenda.
Peggy Childers
August 5, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Robert V. Derenda:
Please accept my remembrance of Robert on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
August 7, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Robert V. Derenda:
Remembering Robert on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Shannon Malat
July 27, 2010
Another year has passed and it is once again our birthday Robert. Not sure if you drank coffee but we shared a cup this morning to honor you. You and your family are always in my thoughts but especially today. Happy Birthday to you and to me. Thank you for allowing me to share this day with you.
Brian Kilpatrick
August 26, 2009
When ever I hear someone talking about Arlington National Cemetary, I stop and reflect on my brief but eternal friendship with Robert. I stumbled across this guest book and tears came to my eyes as I remembered my special friend as I read other entries.
You know someone is very special when they're in your life for a brief time and their loss affects you for the rest of your life. I just knew Robert a short time, but it felt as if I'd known him my entire life.
I was in the group that Robert deployed to Iraq with. I still remember the day I heard he had been killed. I had just walked into one of our team's area and you could tell immediately something was wrong. When they told me we had lost a member and that it was Robert, I felt that I had my gut torn out. He was my newest special friend and although I knew him for only a short time, and after we arrived in Iraq I seldom got to see him, I still miss him to this day.
I wish to thank his family for raising such a great person and for the opportunity to have known him, if only for a short time. If I ever get a chance to visit the Washington DC area, I know the very first place I'm going to visit...my eternal friend SFC Robert V. Derenda!
MAJ Brian Kilpatrick (Ret)
Peggy Childers
August 5, 2009
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Robert V. Derenda:
Robert gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Shannon Malat
July 27, 2009
Robert,
Today is our day. When I woke up this morning at 5:30 a.m., the first thing that came to mind was to wish you a Happy Birthday. Now, the day is just about over. I'm so sorry that you couldn't be with your family today, but I pray that you are having special days everyday where you are now. Thank you for sharing my day with me. God Bless you and your family.
Shannon Malat
June 21, 2009
Just over two years ago, I signed Sgt. Derenda's guestbook. I told the family how Robert and I were born the same day and that I would like to share the rest of my birthday's with him. Today, I received a higher honor. I went to his burial site at Arlington and was able to pay my respects. I was deeply moved and greatly honored to be able to do this. I said a special prayer for him and his family. His photograph still holds a place of prominence at my desk. I truly feel that Robert will stay with me for the rest of my life. To his family, I say thank you. I look forward to sharing our day next month.
Kenna Larra
June 8, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,550 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Debbi
April 18, 2009
Robert, 4 years have gone by since you were taken from God's earth, but I want you and your family to know that you will be forever remembered.
http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.com
In memory of my son
SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/2006 Samarra, Iraq
CO-A 2-505th PIR 82nd Airborne
jordan none
September 17, 2008
Hi robert, I have you as my person to research about. In two weeks I will be visiting your grave site.
Dear Valerian and Loretta,
I am terribly sorry for your loss, I hope i see you at his grave.
Stan Smith
August 5, 2008
Rest in Peace Robert... warrior of the 98th - godspeed from the land of the Fugawi
LTC Smith, 10/98th USAR (Ret)
In Memory of Robert ~ (Debra Estep)
August 5, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Robert, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
May 7, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt 1st Class Derenda!
August 14, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 22, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt 1st Class Derenda and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Bill Harszlak
May 28, 2007
Thank you for his service to our country and the sacrifice made.
May you always find comfort in knowing that you and the world have been blessed to have had Bob in your life. May his spirit live forever!
Shannon Malat
May 25, 2007
To the family of Robert V. Derenda,
I want to express my deepest sympathies on your loss. I was looking at MSNBC's fallen heros pictures this morning when I came across his photo that was sent in by his sister. Robert and I were born the same day, July 27, 1963. If I may, I would like to share the rest of my birthday's with him. I try to pay my respect to every fallen soldier, but knowing that Robert and I are the exact same age brought it a little closer to the heart. I will think of him often, but especially on "our" day. God Bless you.
Jon Regan Walters
May 7, 2007
My condolences to the Derenda family. I knew Bob at The Citadel where he had a unique ability to make people laugh. Friendly and outgoing, Bob had many friends. Recently a few of us who were at The Citadel with Bob were together and couldn't help but reminisce about him. He is truly missed.
LTC JR Walters
401st CA BN
Professor T.J. Mountziaris
March 30, 2007
Bob Derenda was one of my students at the University at Buffalo. He was a great guy, full of life and big dreams. It was fun to have him in my classes and as an intern in my lab. He had a great personality and always a positive attitude. I consider a great honor that I knew him. He is my true American Hero. I extend my sincere condolences to his family.
SFC Michael Flynn
November 21, 2006
I met Bob while we were training for this mission. He was a friend of a fellow member of my squad and we became friends while we were there. Although we went to different units as trainers for the Iraqi Army, we tried to stay in touch. It has been some time since the loss of this hero, but he will not be forgotton by those who knew him.
SFC Flynn
2BN 1BDE 1DIV IA (IIF)
Garnet Jenkins
August 5, 2006
Remembering Sgt. 1st Class Robert V. Derenda, on the anniversary of the day he lost his Life while serving our country. With a Multitude of Thanks for his many years of service and dedication.
Rest well and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Grace and comfort, continue to be with the Derenda
family.
From the sister of a Fallen young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam. KIA~1967.
"Nor shall your Glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps,
Or Honor points to the hallowed spot,
Where Valor proudly sleeps."
-by Theodore O'Hara
ROBYN GARSIDE
July 6, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Courtney Steed
June 27, 2006
He stands along side of my brother, in the hall of men and women who died with dignity and honor as heroes. We will not forget his sacrifice, or your loss.
From the sister of a fallen soldier, CPL Dustin L. Kendall, US Army, 1/15/06
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
June 25, 2006
Rest in peace at your last post in paradise.
June 24, 2006
To the Family of Sgt 1st Class Robert V. Derenda:
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.
Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )
June 23, 2006
Rest in Peace Brave Warrior..
From the sister of a fallen Marine
*T*
Martin Spears
March 25, 2006
I was stationed with Bob in Iraq. we were in diferent advisor teams, but we saw each other daily.one day in march 05, i was told i was to be promoted to sfc. i had no new rank. Bob came to my room where i was resting before a mission, and gave me his rank from his collar,and told me"just pass this rank i gave you to someone else when they get promoted". i said i sure will. Bob was very well liked among his team.very professional. i would go to visit Bobs team during some down time,and slap Bob on the shoulder and ask "hows it going Bob"? he would say "oh,just fine". thats about all i could get out of him. i was shocked when Bob was killed. i still am. my condolences to the Derenda family, and the 'Shotgun Team'. God Bless. SFC Martin Spears, Houston Texas
Brian Derenda
March 10, 2006
My deepest regards to the Derenda family. May god bless Robert a real hero.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 27, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Derenda family in the loss of Robert. I did not know Robert, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Robert soon it will be 7 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Eileen and Bill Jeker
August 25, 2005
Our sincere deepest condolences are extended to the family of another fallen hero from two very grateful Americans. Robert, may you rest in peace.
Chris von Seebach
August 22, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the Derenda Family and all his close friends. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless Robert Derenda and let Him carry the loved ones through this tough time. Bob has reached the mountain top of the monatin that we still have to climb. GOD BLESS
Craig Aniszewski
August 20, 2005
Dear Derenda Family,
Bob and I were classmates at St. Francis. Although we lost touch after high school Bob had a wonderful sense of who he was and what he wanted to do. You should be very proud of him. God Bless!
PHUONG MA
August 19, 2005
To the Derenda's family,
I'm really sorry for your loss. Bob was a great person, friend and will be missed by many. I had the opportunity to meet bob when we worked together at Honeywell in Louisiana. He adored you guys and loved his nephews very much. Your son touched so many lives and will never be forgotten. God bless you.
Robin Magavern
August 18, 2005
To the Derenda Family,
Those of us at the Buffalo Seminary who remember Caroline fondly, along with the entire Buffalo Seminary faculty and staff, join me in sending our deep sympathy to you. We mourn the loss of a young man who led an exemplary life and gave all he could to his family, community, and nation.
Valerian and Loretta Derenda
August 17, 2005
The warm condolences from the people of Western New York and through out the country for our son, Sergeant First Class Robert V. Derenda have lightened our sadness as our family gathers at Arlington National Cemetary to say our last farwell. Our heart felt thanks.Please continue to pray for our soldiers still away from their families.
Susan Knavel
August 15, 2005
To the Derenda Family,
I am saddened to hear of your loss, but you may not know me, for I am a grateful American citizen, sending my gratitude to you, on this very sad day. Robert is and always will be, a true American Hero.
Henry and Lynda Wozetek
August 13, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to your entire family. Robert is a hero for our country and we are grateful but sad. In our hearts we feel your loss. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
We are long time friends of Joe and Jo.
The Pastore (Baker) Family
August 13, 2005
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Your son has made The Ultimate Sacrafice and for that we are very grateful. God Bless you
Earl and Jane Kruse
August 13, 2005
Dear Derenda Family
We are saddened to learn of your loss. Our fond memories of your family go back a long time. We are thinking of you and praying for all of you. You should be very proud of Robert for serving our country.
Dawn Kramer
August 13, 2005
Bob was a true American hero. My deepest sympathy to his family.
May God bless you and comfort you during this time.
Dawn Kramer (sister of Brian Kramer, 98th Division)
Bonnie (Dan, Emily and Eric) Smith
August 12, 2005
Dear Derenda Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Robert once, 20 some plus years ago. Robert was a hero and always will be and not just to his family and friends but to a whole country. My heart cries with you during this sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers during your time of sorrow. God Bless All of You.
Jaclyn Pierrot
August 12, 2005
dear mr.&mrs.Derenda,
I met Bob in about 1996 he brought me to your daughters wedding. I've never forgot him,he was a gentleman with a big heart and good mind I'm so sorry for your great loss the world has lost a good man my prayers and heart goes out to you and your family...he was only in my life for a short time and I'll never forget him.
Donna Bove
August 12, 2005
To the Family of Robert Derenda,
God Bless Your Family. You are in my family's Prayers
Diane Casten
August 12, 2005
My heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your son Robert. Robert was a close friend of my brother, Joseph and an altar server at my wedding 30 years ago (my maiden name is Wachowiak). Robert is indeed a true hero ... not only to his country but also to his family and his community.
Cathy & Larry Czwojdak
August 12, 2005
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your son died a hero and gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.
Be proud. God Bless you!
Kathleen Rogers
August 12, 2005
Dear Derenda family,
I am so very sorry for you heart felt loss. May he rest in peace....
God bless
Georgiann (Gee-Gee) Jordan
August 12, 2005
Bob touched so many people's lives in so many ways. I was fortunate to have known him and am saddened by his death. He was doing exactly what he wanted to do and was exactly where he wanted to be. He is a true hero and will be missed.
karen kras
August 12, 2005
Dear Derenda Family,
We are so sorry fot your loss. You will be in our prayers. Rob died a hero. Sincerly, Karen and Amanda Kras
MSgt Dave Bickel
August 12, 2005
God bless SFC Bob Derenda! From his fellow '85 and '86 boys of Lima Company, 3rd Battaliion, The Citadel Charleston SC
Julie Kaska
August 12, 2005
Dear Derenda Family: Although we have never met, your family is on our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Thank God for Robert and the sacrifice he gave every day for people like myself and my family. God Bless You All.
Julie, Tom, Brett & Jacob Kaska
Daniel J. Kij
August 12, 2005
Words alone can never express the deep loss friends and family feel in the death of Robert and his ultimate service to his country and mankind.
May God continue to bless the Derenda and Swacha families.
Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dac' Panie!
SUSAN Meyers,
August 11, 2005
Dear Derenda Family,
We are proud of Robert, and thankful for all he has given up to help protect all of us. God Bless Robert and his entire family.
Kathy Dziekan
August 11, 2005
He sounds like an amazing man.
That he was taken from us while selflessly helping others, is a credit to him and his family.
My deepest sympathy.
William Kibby
August 11, 2005
I am so sorry - my deepest sympathies to all who loved Rob.
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