Derek W. Heim

Derek W. Heim, age 51, of Lakeville, MA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Morton Hospital in Taunton, following a lengthy battle with reoccurring colon cancer. Born on March 2, 1974, in Rochester, PA, he was the son of Wendy L. (Gaver) Heim and the late Thomas Leroy Heim.

Derek attended Blue Hills Regional Technical High School in Canton, graduating in 1993 from the culinary arts program. While in school he participated on the swim team and earned his letter in track. Following high school, he enrolled at Eastern Nazarene College for one semester, and knew with ADHD, that college wasn't for him.

Following graduation, he met a young lady, moved to Pennsylvania, and got married. But the marriage was short lived as he divorced and moved back to Massachusetts. He met and dated Christine Mucci and in 2006 welcomed his daughter, Emily Jean Mucci into the world. He was so proud to be the father of such a beautiful and smart girl. When she got accepted to Emmanuel College in Boston, he was ecstatic and told everyone he knew.

During his early school years, he was described as uncoordinated. Despite his lack of athletic talent, he played peewee football and participated in a Judo Club at the Daniel Marr Boys & Girls club in Dorchester, MA. He won two trophies: one for most improved, and the second for an impressive Ippon Seionage hip throw winning the match. His epilepsy prevented him from continuing in the sport.

The last job he held was seasonally at the Ocean Spray plant in Middleboro, where he worked in the packing department in the fresh fruit division. He liked playing video games, connecting with friends and sharing jokes on Facebook and in person. He enjoyed watching professional and college sports and attended many in person. His favorite game was going to the Celtics opening night this season with a good friend.

Attending church was an essential part of his life, finding a community of believers who supported him and kept him accountable in his faith. He regularly attended the First Congregational Church at the Green in Middleboro, where he was hoping to become a member, and the Lakeville Church of the Nazarene.

Just before Thanksgiving, he welcomed a cat, Templeton, into the home. He loved sharing pictures and videos to anyone he saw.

Dereks favorite holiday was Christmas as he loved to give without wanting anything in return. His giving continued as an organ donor. His corneas were given so the sight of an individual could be helped.

Derek described himself this way on his Facebook profile; "Love Laughing, Living Life, and Living One Day at a time".

He is survived by his cherished daughter Emily Mucci, his longtime girlfriend Christine Mucci, his mother Wendy and Templeton his cat. He was predeceased by his dad, Rev. Thomas Heim, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 7, 2026, at the First Congregational Church at the Green, 6 Plympton Street, Middleborough, MA 02346, at 10:00AM. A time of refreshment and visitation will take place following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the church, your local church, an animal shelter, or share a joke and make someone smile.