Kenneth Derbyshire

DERBYSHIRE Kenneth Derbyshire, passed away Friday, March 7, 2008 at Connecticut Health Center of Southport. He was 87 years old. Kenneth was born in Manchester, England, May 9, 1920 to the former Katherine Brierly and Herbert Derbyshire. After the family moved to the United States three years later, Kenneth grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and spent time in Pennsylvania. He met his future wife, the former Harriet O'Leary, skating when they were both 15. He graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School, where he excelled in track and field and was the captain of the track and cross country teams. Kenneth studied engineering at Brooklyn College until World War II began and he went to Canada and became a bomber pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. During the war, he married Harriet O'Leary, went overseas to serve in Europe, returned and started a family in Rowayton and Darien. He had a long career with Caltex Oil in New York before changing careers and becoming a sales manager for 'Civil Engineering' Magazine. His wife, Harriet, died in 1980. In 1985, he married Margaret Ferrer and moved to Silvermine. He retired to Old Saybrook in 1988, where he enjoyed carving wooden ducks and socializing. His second wife, Peggy, passed away in 2000. Kenneth is survived by four children, Pamela Carlson and her husband, William of Essex, Deborah Catino and her husband, Theodore of San Mango Sul Calore, Italy, Kenneth Phillip Derbyshire and his wife, Deborah of Austin, Texas and Anthony Derbyshire and his wife, Geri of Fairfield. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Kenneth will be fondly remembered by those who were touched by him. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He taught his children to understand the value of laughter and love above all else. The family is especially thankful to the staff of Connecticut Health in Southport for taking care of him as his health declined. His memorial service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in First Church Congregational, 148 Beach Road, Fairfield, with Rev. Jennifer Habetz officiating. Friends may greet his family in the church one hour prior to his service. A private burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery, in Darien. Contributions in his name may be directed to The Alzheimer's Association-Fairfield County Chapter, 607 Main Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-1758. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, of Fairfield Center. To sign an online register, please visit www.Leskopolkefuneralhome.com.