Robert DERBYSHIRE Obituary

On June 4, 2020, Robert Lee Derbyshire, PHD, died peacefully at the Davis Skilled Nursing Facility associated with the Plantation Village Retirement Community, Wilmington, NC. He was born June 2, 1929 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Joseph Hare Derbyshire and Ella Derbyshire (nee Collier). Beloved husband of the late Joan Anne Derbyshire (nee Love) who died peacefully April 23, 2020. They were married 72 years.

Robert served two tours with the US Marine Corp from 1946 until his Honorable Discharge in 1951. After his military service he attended the University of Maryland earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, June of 1954. He continued his education at the University of Maryland, in 1959 earning a graduate degree in Sociology then in 1964 his Doctor of Philosophy, also in Sociology. His teaching career began in the Baltimore City School System and later taught at Mergenthaler High School. He soon became a Professor at what was once known as Morgan State College then at the University of Maryland Medical School, Psychiatric Institute, publishing several articles in medical and psychiatric journals. In 1972 he established a private practice in Marriage and Family counseling.

He is survived by his daughter Deborah A. Derbyshire who remembers, at the age of 90 our Dad told all of us that he learned more from his children than he felt we learned from him. His sons: Robert B. (Maria) remembers his father dedicating his Dissertation, in the Preface, to his children writing "It is in the hands of their generations and future generations that solutions to the minority problems, socially inherited from their forefathers, will be developed and implemented.", William P. (Myra) remembers that he was the eternal teacher always passing on pearls of wisdom even up to his dying days, Mark H. (Paula) citing that Dad gave love and support throughout his adult life with tons of encouragement, Adam C. (Martha) who said that he remembered Dad being so thoughtful and generous providing special experiences for family and friends. He is fondly remembered by Sue and Beau McCaffrey, close friends, of Wilmington, NC, "Bob made our lives richer, funnier, and we were always "in the running" with our beautiful friend." Robert had 15 grandchildren, two of the grandchildren, Jennifer and Grace predeceased him, along with his brother Joseph Derbyshire. He is also survived by 17 great grandchildren.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a celebration of life will be held for Robert when social distancing is lifted. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Frankie Lemmon Foundation via their website at frankielemmonschool.org. or to Special Olympics of Montgomery County, 900 Harvest Dr., Suite 203, Blue Bell, PA 19422.

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

Published by Baltimore Sun from Jun. 6 to Jun. 7, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert DERBYSHIRE

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7 Entries

Vivian Wolfsheimer

Planted Trees

Alice Harlan Remsberg

June 7, 2020

It was with great interest that I read Dr. Derbyshire's obituary in today's Baltimore Sun. His mother, Ella Collier, grew up on the farm across the road from our family farm in Harford County. She was a friend of my father and uncle and is mentioned often in the diaries they kept in the 1916-1920 time period. They all attended Youth's Benefit 2-room school along the members of the Watters and Bachman families. On shopping trips to Baltimore in the 1940's, my mother always made sure we went to Hutzler's Dept. store to see Ella Collier. I recall that at one time, Dr. Derbyshire, as a student at U. of MD came to see our father regarding some research he was doing. My father so enjoyed his visit. Although our community has changed significantly over the years, our farm remains in the Harlan family. Ella Collier was a good friend and neighbor. The diaries of my father and uncle tell the story of those good friendships and fun times of 100 years ago.

I send deepest sympathy for your loss from our family to your family.

Judy Rinaldi

June 7, 2020

To Bob and Family,
A beautiful obituary and tribute to your father. Thinking of you.
Judy Rinaldi

Bernadette Stokes

June 7, 2020

Mr. Derbyshire will be dearly missed by me there was not a day that passed when I was at work that I would not go into his room and just sit and talk or even grab another co-worker and dance for him he loved it because we were not on the same beat lol I would go in there as soon as I got to work and before I left he loved for me to make popcorn he would eat it then say is it more I would say it's always more for you he was such a inspiration to me always asked about my grandchildren Deb.,Bob, Bill, Mark, & Adam you will be in my prayers I'm going to miss my dear friend

Mary Lazzaroni

June 6, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Robert was my favorite friend of my parents. Always easy going and genuinely interested in talking with me. In the last year or so, I spoke with him on the phone, enjoying long conversations. I treasure those conversations and will truly miss his wisdom. Thank you Robert. Your legacy lives on through your many children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and in the hearts of those you touched with your loving kindness.

Charles Goldstein

June 6, 2020

I was a patient of Bob's back in the late 1970's when he helped me to unlock the history of my adoption and identity. He was kind and understanding and my life today and what I accomplished in my musical career were due to the outstanding care he provided me. I went on to sing at the Metropolitan Opera, marry (Bob and Joan were at our wedding reception in Baltimore) and adopt two wonderful daughters from China. The efforts Bob took working on my own adoption ended with me finding both sides of my birth family and having relationships with them! We moved to Leland in 2016 and I only wish that I had known he was in the area. He was a wonderful person!

Frances (Lasky) KANDELL

June 6, 2020

a donation to special olympics was made in memory of your father. HE helped me get out of a very troubled marriage and there is not a day gone by that I don't think of him. Your parents were at my wedding with my second husband. HE was truly the most wonderful person in my life. So sorry.

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