Derek Daniel Elko

Derek Daniel Elko, 23, of Weston Lakes, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on May 13, 2015. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Richmond, TX. Derek graduated from Foster High School in 2010. He attended the University of Texas at Austin as a George R. Clark scholarship awardee, and would have graduated May 23 with a Bachelor of Science degree with highest honors in Applied Mathematics. He was interested in pursuing a career in quantitative investment analysis. During college he worked as a Portfolio Analytics Intern at Invesco Ltd, Houston, TX and as a Risk Finance Intern at the Lockton Companies LLC, Houston, TX. Derek was a Mathematics Tutor at UT and elected Undergraduate Peer Led Study Director. As a Polymathic Scholar at UT, Derek was researching the topic: "Structured Solutions to Behavioral Biases in Finance." He had hoped to publish the research at the conclusion of his senior year. In addition, he was a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Societies. Along with his academic pursuits, Derek was passionate about music, enjoyed composing music, and he played the piano and violin. He also appreciated writing and creating funny movies and skits with his friends. Derek was a community outreach service volunteer and would personally lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His friends valued his outstanding sense of humor and spirited approach to life. Stand-up comedy was something very special to him. He also loved to play tennis, golf and basketball. As a child, Derek enjoyed Boy Scout activities especially camping, hiking, and target shooting. Derek spent many memorable vacations with his family treasuring each other's company, exploring new places and new foods. He loved cinema and was a great impersonator. His family will always cherish his interesting philosophical outlook on life, keen sense of humor, selflessness, and his wonderful compassion and kindness toward others. Many thought-provoking discussions were relished as he tried to solve the mysteries of life and help others with their problems. He was a great listener who was always able to help others see the world differently and with a new and better perspective. Derek will be profoundly missed by his family and friends who will always remember the impact and influence he had in making the world a better place during his short time on this earth. Derek is preceded in death by his maternal Grandmother Mary Varrato of Latrobe, PA, and paternal Grandfather Daniel Elko of Uniontown, PA. Surviving family members include his parents, Daniel and Diane Elko, of Weston Lakes, TX, two sisters, Brittney Elko (Brother-in-law Stephen Fisher) of Pleasanton, California, and Dr. Alexandra Elko, of Dallas, Texas, paternal Grandmother, Gloria Elko, of Hopwood, PA , maternal Grandfather, Raymond Varrato of Weston Lakes, TX, as well as Aunt Barbara Lazor (husband Paul) of Katy, Texas, cousins, Courtney (husband Chris) Hatten and children, Kennedy and Carter of Katy, Texas, Aaron Lazor (wife Ashley) and child, Ava of Burlingame, CA, Uncle Mark Elko (wife Betsy) of Massapequa Park, NY, cousins, Addison Elko of Manhattan, NY, and Leah Welsh (husband Joe) and children, Whitney and Adriana of Massapequa, NY. Visitation will take place at Davis Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Boulevard, Rosenberg, TX 77471 on Friday, May 22, 4-5 pm for family with general visitation from 5-8 pm. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 507 South 4th Street, Richmond, TX 77469 on Saturday, May 23 at 10 am. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass at the Sacred Heart Church Family Life Center. The family welcomes your prayers. Donations in Derek's memory may be made to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America at www.ADAA.org.