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John Chester Derr

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John Derr Obituary

Published by Beck-Givnish Funeral Home on Mar. 3, 2022.

John Chester Derr, of Levittown, PA, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022, at the age of 93. Born in Pottsville, PA to the late John H. and A. Elizabeth (nee Chester) Derr, Chester was an original Levittown homeowner and founding member of the United Christian Church, formerly known as Church of the Reformation and then a member of St. Luke's U.C.C. Chester worked as a miner before moving to Levittown and beginning his career as a steel worker with US Steel, where he retired as a member of its "35-year Club". He was also a lifelong member of the Fairless Hills Elks Lodge, an avid woodworker, gardener and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Pauline M. (nee Diesenroth) Derr, Chester is survived by his children, Richard (Brenda) Derr, Sharon (Tony) Cancilla and Diane (Tom) Yurkanin, his 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Kathryn Coxe, sister-in-law, Dorothy Raggio, 2 nieces, 1 nephew and other extended family members. Services for Chester will be held privately at the request of his family. Services provided by Beck Givnish Life Celebration Home, 7400 New Falls Rd., Levittown, PA 19055. To share your fondest memories of Chester, please visit www.lifecelebration.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

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Recent Activity

March 23, 2022

Michele Schenk posted to the memorial.

March 12, 2022

LANCE ROBERDS posted to the memorial.

March 11, 2022

Gladys Gallagher posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Michele Schenk

March 23, 2022

Chet was a lovely person, even when his home was overrun with women from the church who came to pray and visit regularly. I have a beautiful gourd which he finished many years ago...I think of Chet whenever I use it. Blessings to your family as you grieve yet another beloved family member.

LANCE ROBERDS

March 12, 2022

In all the decades I knew Chet, he was consistently gracious and warm any time we spoke with one another. He communicated acceptance as much with his eyes and his smile as he did with his words and his greetings. He, like Pauline, will be always be remembered with appreciation and affection.

Lance Roberds, Friend from United Christian Church
Langhorne, PA

Gladys Gallagher

March 11, 2022

Our deepest sympathy to the Derr family. Many fond and treasured memories over the many years we have known Chet and Pauline. Our love and prayers are with you. Gladys Gallagher and family.

Beverly Dale

March 10, 2022

How difficult it is for a family to lose two beloved parents in only such a short time. My prayers for comfort go to all of the family. Chester seemed to be content to remain in the background and allow his wife to be the point person when it came to conversations on Sunday morning. But he was always quick with a smile and appeared to enjoy his life at least during the time I knew him in these last several years of his life. I have come to understand that he held in both his memory and experience a good chunk of our church history as well and we are the poorer with his leaving us. My best to each of their children and grandchildren.