Derrick Edward Grey

Derrick Edward Grey was born May 6, 1965, in New Haven, CT, to Loretta (Brazzell) Grey and Walter Grey. Derrick entered eternal rest on May 28, 2022. He attended New Haven Public Schools and graduated from James Hillhouse High School. Derrick exemplified tremendous leadership at an early age. He started a high school fraternity, ****, where he is remembered as "Gonzo." The fraternity fostered brotherhood and positivity. Derrick also played football and was captain of the wrecking crew.
Upon graduating high school, Derrick became a skilled tradesman in carpentry. His lifelong career was contracting, an industry in which he excelled. From a young age, Derrick was a passionate and ambitious entrepreneur who had various contracts. He also mentored a number of his peers with their entrepreneurial ventures and business endeavors. Alongside contracting, he worked for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and Long Lane School, where he assisted and inspired troubled youth. Derrick also worked for Amtrak as a foreman. He became a project manager for CRS, a major commercial contracting company.
His place of worship was Mount Aery Baptist Church of Bridgeport, CT.
Derrick is best known for his zest for life, his energetic spirit and his bright smile that would light up a room! Since childhood, his charming and charismatic personality made him a pillar in his community; he embraced people from all walks of life. Derrick enjoyed entertaining and making people feel happy and loved.
Derrick loved his family, children and grandchildren, immensely. He enjoyed traveling and spending time celebrating life with his friends and his Masonic family, Widow's Son Lodge #1 P.H.A. "D-Smooth," which he was affectionately known as, was a major contributor in enhancing his nephews and nieces' upbringing.
He leaves to mourn his parents Loretta Grey & Walter Grey; his wife Twanda Grey; his children & Godchildren, Tiffany (Raman), Javon, Donte, Deja, Tiara, Sayvion, Elijah, Isaiah and Kyle; his grandchildren, Mya and Cameron; his siblings, Walter (Lisa) Grey, Triscina (Will) Grey-Ortiz and Richard Grey, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, whom he loved dearly.