Donald A. Dery

Donald A. Dery obituary, Newport, RI

Donald A. Dery

Donald Dery Obituary

Visit the Legacy Remembers website to view the full obituary.
Donald Alexis Dery died at age 89, on 18 November 2024 in Newport, Rhode Island, after a decline of several months. He was born February 22, 1935, the only child of Elve Rose (Houle) and Francis Alexis Dery. Don is survived by his second wife, Rowena F. Dery; and by his five children, Jo-Ann Dery and Robert Tosi; Robert Dery and Paola Legarre; David and Amy Dery; Michael Dery; and Robin Dery; and by his grandchildren, Eli and Lydia, Samuel, Sara, Rowan, Jack, Anna, Sophia, and Hannah. In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his first wife, Gayle F. O'Connell Dery, and by his life-long best friend of 72 years, Robert C. Johnson.

Don earned a BA in Journalism from Boston University in 1957. He was a reporter for the Providence Journal for a year in the late 1950's. He then worked at Polaroid Corporation in Public Relations for 24 years, where his flashpoint "Dery Temper" was legendary. He balanced that temper with a robust sense of humor and was notorious for impromptu one-liners.

Don married Gayle

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Dery's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Donald Dery's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?