Patrick Delong Derkacz

Obituary for Patrick Delong Derkacz



"To the world, you may be one person; but to one person, you are the world." -Dr. Seuss

It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Patrick Delong Derkacz, age 49, of Huntington Beach, California. Patrick passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025 from complications caused by Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Patrick was born on December 20, 1975, in Riverside, California to Patricia Ruth McHale and Michael Delong Derkacz. Patrick grew up in Riverside. He attended Liberty Elementary School, Chemawa Middle School and graduated from Arlington High School in 1994. He went on to attend the University of California, Riverside where he met his friend and future wife, April. While attending classes he also worked at a local family-run pizza place, followed by a small bistro and catering company. It was during this time Patrick began realizing he had a true passion for food. His natural creativity and palate were continuously developed and it did not take long for him to realize his life's calling.

After years of experience, both professionally and personally Patrick became an amazing sous chef and inspiring leader in every kitchen he worked in. After getting married and traveling through Italy, Patrick became a chef and owner of his own Italian restaurant with his wife, April. For many years Patrick's pizza, short ribs and memorable food and wine pairing dinners became well known on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. Patrick was always recognized for his easygoing disposition and naturally gifted intelligence. He brought joy to all who knew him with his contagious smile, a helping hand and amazing culinary abilities.

Throughout his life Patrick loved spending his time playing games, reading, traveling and learning about new things. Being near the ocean was his favorite place to spend his free time whether it was surfing, swimming, biking, playing games or building a campfire with friends and family. Whether on the sand or in a kitchen anywhere, Patrick was a true Boy Scout loving everything about nature and cooking outdoors, over an open flame was his favorite.

In his latter years Patrick was able to use his skills and passion further in an open kitchen using live fire to produce his favorite meals, including amazing cuts of beef to the delight of all. Patrick was a hard worker and enjoyed teaching others through his own life experiences. He was grateful to be able to live and work where his passion grew and proudly encouraged others likewise.

Patrick was preceded in death by his grandfather, Richard "Dick" McHale whom he considered a role model and inspiration throughout his life. His grandfather encouraged his love of poetry, patriotic values and the strength necessary to become the man that was so loved by so many. Patrick will be deeply missed by all including family, friends and colleagues.

Patrick Derkacz is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, April Presley-Derkacz and the felines they raised from birth. He is also survived by his parents Patricia and John Baker, as well as his in-laws Robin and Larry Humenik, his maternal grandmother Delores McHale, his sister and brother-in-law, Laura and James Morrow, his nephew, Christopher Morrow and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins across several states.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 17, 2025 at Doheny State Beach. Family and friends will gather together around noon in Patrick's favorite way to create new memories while sharing stories, playing games and enjoying a day at the beach. Before sunset we will light the fire in his honor and remember...Love is something eternal. The aspect may change but not the essence-Vincent Van Gogh

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."-Winnie the Pooh