Photo courtesy of Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown
Watertown, New York
Aug 4, 1953 – Jun 8, 2023
Frank J. Derrigo Jr, 69, was called to heaven on the morning of June 8th 2023 in Sevierville, TN, where he resided since his retirement from the Watertown Police Department in 2013. Frank was born August 4th, 1953 to the late Frank J. Sr and Joanne F. Derrigo in Watertown, NY.
Starting his career at the WPD in 1977, Frank served his community for 36 years. Among his achievements, Frank was named 1988 Officer of the Year, and is credited with forming the Metro-Jeff Combined Drug Task Force in 1989 after an 8-month undercover assignment with Syracuse PD. Instituted in 1999, Frank served as 1st Commander of the WPD Special Response Team. The same year, Frank earned his promotion to Lieutenant.
Always the life of the party, Frank loved hunting, boating, and quality time spent with the people he loved most.
Among many, Frank always held friends Roy Whitmore, Michael Zicari, & Randy Atwood in the highest regard, and considered them some of his best.
He is survived by three sons, Frank J. Derrigo III - Mansville, NY, Daniel A. Derrigo - Bend, OR, Benjamin S. Derrigo - Dover, TN, daughter Tessa M. LaClair and granddaughter Lyla, - Sumter, SC, brother Robert A. Derrigo, Chaumont, NY, sister Helen A. Nielsen, Sevierville, TN, sister-in-law Jane and Husband Donald Ames - Franklin, TN, and many nieces & nephews.
Per Franks request, there will be no services held.
Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.
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I am so truly sorry for your loss. Frank will greatly be missed. Prayers for the family.
Rhonda Jones
June 17, 2023 | Sevierville, TN | Friend
So sorry for your loss Helen and the entire Derrigo family.
Jill (Storino) Shepherd
June 13, 2023 | Evans Mills, NY | Acquaintance
LT! What can I say. You are an amazing man and friend. What you showed me and taught me through my years in the PD I can never thank you enough for we had soooo many laughs and antics through those yrs I will miss you until I see you my friend. Rest easy my friend we will take it from here
Bill Rafferty
June 13, 2023 | Dexter, NY | Friend
Frank you left us too soon my friend. To the Derrigo Family, my deepest Sympanthy. I enjoyed my time working with Frank and learned a lot from him over the years. We had many good times and I look back fondly and am happy to have know such a great person and such a good Police Officer. Rest in peace.
Joe Goss
June 13, 2023 | Watertown, NY | Coworker
Dear Rob and Helen, We are deeply saddened to hear about Frankie and so sorry. He was such a good, fun-loving, hard-working guy. When you kids were growing up and living next door to us, you were like a part of our family. We have great memories. Please know we are thinking of you and that our hearts go out to you. Bob and Deanna Froysell
June 13, 2023
To the entire Derrigo family. We are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers
David and Theresa (Melino) Belair
Theresa Belair
June 13, 2023 | Rochester, NY
I didn’t know him well but he was so pleasant to my Son Matthew when he was friends with his son in 1rst grade. I never heard a bad thing about him!
Cindi and Matthew Sherwood
June 12, 2023 | Watertown, NY | Friend
RIP Frank you will never be forgotten .
David and Joan Koster
June 12, 2023 | Watertown, NY | Friend
Frank was always such a great guy and gave me some great advice when I really needed it. We all loved it when he’d stop in at work and give us all a good laugh, he was one of a kind and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jill Fleming
June 12, 2023 | Central Square, NY | Friend