Derek Aaron Villnave

Derek was a teacher, a humanitarian, an athlete, a poet. He possessed bravery, a quick wit and a wicked sense of humor, and he managed to remain kind, even when circumstances were not kind to him.

Derek enjoyed cooking and eating, and never hesitated to try the unusual. After years of swimming, playing football and lacrosse he continued his love of sports as a fan, especially for the Buffalo Bills and his beloved SU Basketball. Every game was a "big game" for him. Derek loved nature, especially the shores of Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence River.

Derek attended the University of Buffalo and LeMoyne College. He worked as a teacher in such varied locations as Cayuga Onondaga BOCES and Five Points Maximum Security Prison for ACR Health.

Derek spent four years living and teaching in Hirosaki Japan.

Derek's show business career included performing as a supernumerary for Syracuse Opera, loading trucks for Syracuse's stagehand union, and driving the stars as a runner at the NYSF Grandstand.

Survived by his wife Penny Gilbert and their dog Daisy. Parents Ron and Emily Villnave, brother David Baily (Sarah), brother Damon Villnave (Sara), and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

In honor of Derek's humanity, donations may be made to My Fathers Kitchen, a homeless street outreach organization in Syracuse. They can be reached at myfatherskitchen.org