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Derek R. Valerius

Derek Valerius Obituary

36, devoted husband of Kim, died suddenly from a brief illness on July 5, 2006. He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on May 15, 1970. Derek graduated from Rockport High School, Rockport, the New England School of Culinary Arts in Vermont and also attended the Culinary Arts Institute at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. Derek was formerly Cafe' Chef at the Ritz Carlton in Boston and recently Manager of Prepared Foods at Whole Foods, Inc. He had a distinguished career as Chef in such prestigious establishments as Farm Neck Country Club, Martha's Vineyard, Ritz Carlton, Boston, Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas and the Yankee Clipper Inn, Rockport and was a visiting chef at the James Beard Society in New York. Derek devoted his professional life to bringing joy to every palate through his innovative cooking designs. Celebrities such as President Bill Clinton, President George H. W. Bush and Placido Domingo have enjoyed Derek's culinary creations. We will miss Derek's zest for life, his infectious smile and magnetic personality. He is survived by his wife Kim of Mason, New Hampshire, his mother, Karen M. Bogosian of Rockport, MA, grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Zaven Bogosian of Rockport, MA, his uncle and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Zaven Bogosian Jr. of Marblehead, MA, his aunt Arlene Bogosian of Rockport, MA, his uncles Robert Bogosian and Anthony Moretti of New Seabury, MA and Naples, Florida. A Memorial Service will be held in St. Marys Episcopal Church, Broadway, Rockport on Monday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m. Visiting hours in the Burgess and Mackey Funeral Home, 201 Main Street, ROCKPORT are on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Derek R. Valerius Scholarship Fund for Culinary Arts, c/o Rockport National Bank, Attn: Betty Scott, P.O. Box 90, Rockport, MA 01966.

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Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 7 to Jul. 8, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Derek Valerius

30 Entries

Craig Chaves

October 20, 2016

Derek was a true brother. Its been 10 years since he passed. I was 22 then, and I worked with him everyday. He wasn't just my boss. He was a source of inspiration. The smile that reminded you that you were alive. I still miss him.
"Hardship is necessary. It builds character."- Derek Valerius, circa 2006.

Erica Cano

July 7, 2007

I had the pleasure of working with Derek (Lobo) at whole foods market, Swa. He was an exelent boss and a fine teacher. Always with a smiling face. He was a great inspiration for me. Thanks to him one day I'll be a chef. I miss him a lot. My prayers are with his family.

Robert Smith

August 17, 2006

Derek you will be missed... A very hard worker and a true friend..God Bless

4th grade gym class (could be 5th). Probably late spring 1980? Derek on far right, hamming it up for the camera. Again, my cheap little 126 film camera.

July 20, 2006

Derek and Drew, last day of 4th grade. I took this with an old 126 camera. We must have been having a fun day, and Derek found and old hat. Drew is wearing some award ribbons.

July 20, 2006

Peter Coffey

July 16, 2006

Dearest friends and family of Derek, may God bless you and keep you all in your time of need. I had the priviledge of working with Derek both at the Ritz in Boston Common, and the traditional Hotel on Newbury..may God rest his soul...warmest condolences...

John C Stewart

July 16, 2006

I had the Pleasure of working and Knowing Derek at the Ritz in Boston. He was a great chef and wonderful person. My Condolences to his family and Freinds

Kyle Fiore

July 11, 2006

Kim-

Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. Derek was a great person and he is still often thought about here at the course. I will always remember his onion soup!! Just like him--it was the best.

Pirjo Silen

July 10, 2006

My deepest sympathy to Derek's family and friends.

I worked with Derek at Whole Foods Market in Wayland. Derek will be deeply missed!

Alexander Piranian

July 10, 2006

Mary Zaven and Karen: Our heartfelt sympathy on your loss.May God Bless you. Your cousin Harriet and Alex Piranian

Roberta Traynor

July 10, 2006

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. He was a great friend and will be missed by all.

Jon (Wayne) Morgan

July 10, 2006

I left Rockport in the 9th grade. I'll always remember Derek’s robust personality and positive attitude. He was one of my first good friends at the primary school in Pigeon Cove, when I was just a little country kid, fresh from South Carolina. He, Drew Snelson and I ran around during recess, and made 4 foot snowballs in the winter time. I saw him around Rockport during summers after high school when I was a summer worker there. He was admired and loved by all that knew him. I will keep his family in my prayers.

C. Loeffler

July 10, 2006

I was a frequent customer of Derek's at Whole Foods, and he was always the most pleasant, accomodating person. I never, not one time, saw him without that huge infectious grin. He simply brightened up the room and was such a pleasure to be around. Can't help thinking that the world seems a little darker now. My condolences to his wife and family.

Debbie Pelkie

July 10, 2006

I worked with Derek for a short time at Swampscott. A passion for life and food. May God Bless him and his family.

Debbie Pelkie

Pelkinator as Derek so happily referred to me.

Beth Clark

July 10, 2006

My heart goes out to all of you that are a part of Derek's life- mother, wife Kim, and beyond. I will remember Derek as someone who was sensitive and caring, and always had a smile on his face everyday I saw him at work. I enjoyed talking with him everyday I worked with him. "Those we love always remain within our hearts." My deepest sympathies to all. Beth

Jude Tucker

July 9, 2006

Kim and family,

Terribly sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Derek was truly one of the good guys. He will be missed.

steve sment

July 9, 2006

my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew derek. working with derek was always interesting and fun! he will be so missed.

Steve Bohn

July 9, 2006

God bless you Derek, my sympathy goes out to everyone who loved and cared for Derek. He was a GREAT friend and co-worker. He always made work fly by with his great sense of humor. You will be deeply missed. WE LOVE YA DEREK. RIP.

ERIC &DAWN BALOY

July 9, 2006

Me and my wife have the pleasure to work with derek at the Ritz and Whole food.We will miss you derek !

God bless you and your family

paul clark

July 9, 2006

One of the great ones. A passion for life, food, nature, people, and dream filled sleep.

With Derek, we laughed to win!

Tanya Roberts

July 8, 2006

Kim and family,

You are all on my heart and in my prayers . . . God Bless you,

Tanya and Ronnie Roberts

Ulrich Koberstein

July 8, 2006

My condolences to everyone who knew and loved him, especilally Kim and his mother. I will always remember his infectious smile and boundless enthusiasm for life. What a terrible loss to us all.

Amy Meringer Oldknow

July 8, 2006

I haven't seen Derek since high school, but I am so sorry to hear about Derek and your family's loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Vicki Smith

July 8, 2006

A wonderful and loving husband who will be missed. I will miss his beautiful smile and the joy that he brought to all around him. Love Vicki

Stephanie Brown

July 8, 2006

I will always remember the warmth and humor he brought to the work place. He will be missed. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.

Michael Clinton

July 8, 2006

God Bless you Derek.

Sincere Sympathy to the family.

Peter Giovane

July 7, 2006

Good times in NYC....you will be missed. God bless...heaven's kitchen line just added a great one!!

Michael Lombardi

July 7, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow,and give them strenth to move forward

Steven Oliveto

July 7, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tri Nguyen

July 7, 2006

A Great loss!!! I have the pleasure to have known and worked with Derek at Whole Foods. He was a kind and funny person in addition to being a very talented chef. We will miss you Derek!

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