Richard E Derkman

Naples, FL

Richard Edward Derkman, beloved husband and devoted father, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017, surrounded by his loving family after a brave and long 10 year battle with cancer. Richard was born in Avon Park, Florida, on June 25, 1963. He attended the University of Central Florida (UCF) where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. He was a P.E. teacher at Golden Gate Elementary School for 26 years and loved his job, students and colleagues. Every student that has ever attended Golden Gate Elementary school since 1990 has had "Mr. Derkman" as their P.E. teacher. Richard's passion was his family, teaching, sports, golf, and fishing.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Martha Sosa; his devoted children, Mercedes and Ricky Derkman; his father, Richard Derkman; his sister, Mary Linda Jackson; and many family and friends that loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his loving mother, Lucile (Lucy) Derkman.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, Florida.

Visitation will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens 525-111th Ave. N., Naples, Florida 34108 from 11:00 a.m. until time of a "Celebration of Life" Memorial Service on Sunday, January 15, 2017, at 1:30 p.m., immediately followed by the committal at his final resting place.

Donations in Rick's memory may be made to Golden Gate Elementary School and in the Memo Section reference Richard E. Derkman Children's Memorial Fund. Please mail your donation to Golden Gate Elementary School, 4911 20th Place S.W., Naples, Florida 34116.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.HodgesNaplesMG.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Naples Daily News on Jan. 10, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Derkman

Sponsored by Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens.

34 Entries

Omar Sierra

September 6, 2024

Mr Derkman was the . He was an i fluential figure in my elementary years. I thought he was a fun P.E. Teacher and I had so much love for him. Long live his memory

Adriana Garcia

May 6, 2021

Mr. Derkman was such a great teacher and I was devastated when I had found out that he had passed in the fourth grade. I know that it's been a while but I hope that the Derkman family is doing alright and that everyone is healthy and thriving. -Adriana Garcia

Anna Gil

January 19, 2017

Sorry to about your loss He was Wonderful man
Husband Father son, Son in law And friend
you were lucky Matti you hit Gold!
The world was lucky to have him!
Love Anna Marie Gil

January 16, 2017

Sending you all much love and healing... I use to call him Mr. Dirtman and I meant it with love... he always laughed...

Julissa

January 16, 2017

I used to go to that school but I moved and I went to that school for 5 years. He was mt favorite P.E. teacher ever. When I heard about this I immediately started to cry.

Rey Vidaurri

January 15, 2017

I had the amazing pleasure of working beside "Derk" as I called him, for six years. There was never a day that we didn't laugh! I valued his advice and looked up to him as the older brother I never had. His advice inspired me to chase my dreams! I will always remember him as a fighter, family man, and the best teacher a child or adult could ever have! To Martha, Mercedes, and Ricky may god bring you peace and healing.

Mercedes Collins

January 13, 2017

It was with great sadness that we learned
of Ricky's passing.
please accept our heartfelt condolences.
We pray the love of God enfolds you and your family during this difficult time.

MARY JANE Harding

January 12, 2017

Sending love and prayers to all. He will be so missed.

Tracy Worden

January 12, 2017

Keeping Ricky's family lifted in prayer. Ricky was a classmate and such a sweet, funny and kind guy growing up. It breaks my heart to see a treasured life end so young. One more special angel among us. Go rest high on that mountain my friend. Love and prayers to his wife,children , family and the many many friends and students whose lives he positively effected.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Ruben & Maria Escobar

January 12, 2017

My condolence to the Derkman and Sosa family, may our Lord give your family strength and peace. Our prayers to your family, may he RIP.

Maria Cardenas

January 11, 2017

May peace be with the Derkman family now and always - The Perez Cardenas Family Fernie, Maria, Vero & Gabi

Linda, Marta, Sigbardo Toledo, Mary Lou Arevalo

January 11, 2017

Much light and love is sent to your family from the Toledo family. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow.

Leslie Diaz

January 11, 2017

Martha! I was just thinking about all the great memories I have of coming to visit you guys. Rick's stories were the best. He always had us laughing. He was just an all around awesome man and I'm so thankful to have known him in my life. I can't imagine how hard his must be for you, Sadie, and Ricky. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry he's no longer with us. He is greatly missed. Love you all so much and I can't wait until the boys and I get the chance to come visit so I can give you a great big hug!! Love you!!

Sue Hardy

January 11, 2017

I was honored to have taught both of your children in First Grade. We shared many laughs throughout the years. I was heart broken when I found out the news of your passing. I am even more heartbroken that I have to work the day of your service. I pray God will wrap his loving arms around your family and give them the strength to carry on. You will be an amazing Guardian Angel to your family and friends. Sending hugs and prayers to your family during this difficult time. You will be missed but never forgotten. I love you and your family to the moon and back. RIP Rick...❤
Love, Sue, Josh, and Kenny Hardy

Rosa LaRue

January 11, 2017

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear."

Janet Lawton

January 11, 2017

My family was truly blessed to call Rick a dear friend. He was like an uncle to my children. One special thing about Rick was that he could always make you smile with his Southern charm and wit. He was an amazing husband and father, taking time to coach them in sports and being very involved in the high school band. Rick is now in heaven a special angel watching over Martha, Cedes, and Ricky. All my love and sympathy.

Elizabeth Ross

January 11, 2017

I will always think of you when I have Chili! You are Light and Love
Ross Family

Maureen Montgomery

January 11, 2017

Martha,
I extend my sympathy to you, your children and family. Richard was a true gentleman. I had the pleasure of seeing him five days a week while I was his colleague at Golden Gate Elementary School. He demonstrated kindness and appeared to live "above the fray" in our educational community. He was a friend to many and an advocate for his student's physical fitness. I am happy we had a reunion conversation, after many years apart, four years ago, at Yadira and John's home. I believe Richard is at peace and awaiting us, until we all, meet again. The gift of his spirit remains within us now. Maureen Montgomery

Yvonne Fly

January 11, 2017

Querida Martha Sosa,
Tu amado esposo Richard Derkman esta en un lugar mucho mejor. Su consciencia vivira donde todo es eterno como los Angeles Celestiales. Tu marido Richard se une a mi querido esposo Thomas C. Fly quien reciente tambien se marcho de este planeta.
Que Dios Padre lo tenga en la gloria y su alma descanze en paz. Recuerda que el esta detras de la Cortina Celestial y siempre te escuchara el Corazon. Un abrazo, Yvonne Fly- CCPS AVE

Blanca E. Hernandez

January 11, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Derkman Family. Mr. Derkman was my PE teacher in 1995-1997 and he was recently my daughter's PE teacher in 2016.She was affected by his passing as he was loved by her and all of his students.

January 11, 2017

Our family has so many memories of "Ricky" when he was growing up in Avon Park. He spent many hours at our home my three children and also worshiped at the Methodist Church with our family. We'll remember him with fondness and are so sad to have lost him at such a young age. Rest in peace. The Henly family

Cheri Ledlow

January 10, 2017

I have had the privilege of team teaching PE with Richard for many years. He was always so kind to all of his students and such a joy to teach with. He rarely was angry or rarely raised his voice. He was a true gentleman. He spoke so highly of his mom and had several funny stories about his dad and family growing up. But most of all Richard loved his kids and his wife. He was truly a wonderful big hearted person who will be greatly missed. He fought a brave battle and that is a true lesson in dignity. God Bless you Rich!

Monique Carlone

January 9, 2017

You were an incredible person! Your spirit lives on with each of your children! Your incredible personality, your simple mindset, your slow down and smell the roses kind of man will forever be with me! We love and will miss you. Thank you for impacting my life in a unique way!

Lorraine Hernandez-Carlone

January 9, 2017

Rick, you showed us what it is to be truly content in your current state. That at some point in life we have to stop and smell the roses. Stop and really enjoy watching your children grow, stop and watch your oak tree grow, stop and enjoy the now. I am going to miss you, but I'm am so greatful that I was one of the lucky ones to really enjoy and know you. You have touched my heart and my soul. Love you now and for ever. See you soon! Fondly,Lorraine Carlone

Mercedes Sosa

January 9, 2017

I will always light a candle for you Rick.
God Bless you.
Love,
Mercy

Rosario and Orlando Sosa

January 9, 2017

Forever in our hearts.

Dr. Oliver L. Phipps

January 9, 2017

...Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5 (NKJV)
I extend my deepest sympathies to the Derkman family. May the soul of Richard be at peace with our Heavenly Father.

Gigi Broccolo

January 6, 2017

My heart, love, and prayers go out to you and your family, Martha. Rick loved you all so much. He was an incredible man who touched many, many lives. He will be greatly missed and very fondly remembered. God bless you all.

Tori Trinder

January 5, 2017

I knew Rick and his whole family in Avon Park. We went to High School together. Rick was very sweet but always had mischievous grin. I'm sorry for the family's loss. I know he will be missed.

colleen sullivan gonzalez

January 5, 2017

Rick is a great guy, whose memory will live on. I am very blessed to have known him. Mati, Cedes, and Ricky, I wish for you peace, comfort, strength as you use his love to continue on. You have been in my prayers and thoughts.

Martha Mohrbacher

January 5, 2017

My heart goes out to you and your family. May God bring you peace in this time of need. Sending Love and Prayers

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