Maximus Robert Derba

Maximus Robert Derba, age 9, passed away on March 6, 2017, succumbing to his 8 month battle with Neuroblastoma cancer. He was surrounded by his Mother, Father, close family and the staff who cared for him at Boston Children's Hospital.

Born on February 18, 2008, at Norwood Hospital, Massachusetts, he was the youngest son of Justin and Laura Derba.

Surviving in addition to his parents are one brother, Declan Derba, age 10, maternal grandparents, Peter and Deborah Tamulionis of Cape Coral, Florida (formerly of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts), paternal grandparents, Robert and Laura Derba of Norfolk, Massachusetts (formerly of Stoughton, Massachusetts), 7 loving Aunts and Uncles, Michael, Stephanie, Mark, Katie, Matthew Tamulionis and Heather Ryan, Keith and Meghan Derba, and 6 cousins, Alex, Leah, and Lydia Tamulionis and Mary-Kathryn, Kaydance, and Kamryn Derba.

Max was a fun and loving boy who enjoyed playing video games with his brother/partner in crime, Declan. His favorites were Zelda, Minecraft and anything Mario. He loved playing with plushies, swimming and finding buried treasure with his cousins. He was always looking out for them and making sure they were safe. Other fun activities were sword fights and Nerf gun wars with his dad and uncles, as well as beach days with his mom and family.

Max was the kind of kid who others just gravitated to naturally. He was welcoming to all and would never hesitate to go out of his way to make sure that no one ever felt left out. He was quick with a smile and his giant blue eyes were enough to immediately make anyone fall in love with him. He was a natural born leader who had an infectious laugh that filled the room. It was always a guarantee that where Max was, he was surrounded by others who relished in the joy of simply being in his company. Max left behind so many people who adored him, there are simply too many to list.

Over the past 8 months, the outpouring of love and support from family, friends both new and old, and perfect strangers resonated deeply with Maximus. He always found comfort in the frequent visits of Mary Kate, Kaydance, Kamryn and Lydia, and Declan. Long days and nights were also spent with Monica, Jaime, Erin and Kelly by his side.

A wake will be held on Sunday, March 12 from 4-8pm at Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, 1630 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, Florida 33991.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 13 at 3:30 at Saint Andrews Catholic Church, 2628 Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral 33904. Burial & Reception to follow mass at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral 33904.

In lieu of flowers, Justin and Laura would like to help support another family whose son, Jefferson, is battling cancer at Boston Children's Hospital. They supported Max and family with love and prayers through their own difficult journey. You can donate at: www.gofundme.com/mighty-max.