Michael Thomas Derevjanik

Michael Thomas Derevjanik September 16, 1947 - December 28, 2025
Michael, known by most as "Tom," was a generous, welcoming and empathetic man. His radiant personality brought life to any setting, and his humor brought joy to everyone.
Tom, a proud veteran of the United States Army, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son, and friend. He died at the age of 78, peacefully at home, in Jackson, NJ, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with lung cancer and other ailments. His service in the United States Army shaped his life. He was a proud disabled veteran who su ered from Agent Orange exposure.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Arleen (Bula); son Michael and daughter-in-law Kristin; daughter Jan and son-in-law Darren; his four grandchildren, Paige, Brooke, Ziggy, and Juliana; mother in-law Anna; brother John and sister Diane; brother-in-law Joey and sister-in-law Angela; sister-in-law Toni; nephew John (Elena, Alex, and Leanna) and nieces Tracy (Connor and Addi), Jennifer (Erika and Dominique), Gina (John), Marie (Tom), and Catherine (Charles); and many cousins and friends that meant the world to him.
Born on September 16, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY to Michael and Anna (Kindya) Derevjanik. He entered the world with a smile that would touch the hearts of all he met.
Tom attended St. John the Evangelist Elementary School, then went on to graduate from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1965. During this time, he also worked at his family's grocery store on 17th Street in Brooklyn, NY.
After graduating high school, he studied engineering at Staten Island Community College and in1967 received an AAS. He then attended Pace College (University). During this time, he was drafted into the U.S. Army on December 26,1968.
He served honorably during the Vietnam War as a Private First Class, serving as a infantryman and then Field Medic in Company B, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade. He battled in the Central Highlands. Among his honors he was awarded The Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device for an act of heroism on November 14, 1969, saving the lives of two of his fellow soldiers during a ground assault.
Upon being discharged in August 1970 from the U.S. Army he returned home to Brooklyn, NY.
He continued his studies at Pace College (University). During this time, he met his beloved wife, Arleen. He graduated with a BA in August 1971 and began his career in finance for Chase Bank. He continued his career in banking until he retired on disability in 1998.
Tom and Arleen married in 1972 and resided in Brooklyn, NY where they had their son, Michael. Two years later they moved to Staten Island NY, where they had their daughter Jan and resided for over many years. In 2005 Tom and Arleen moved to Jackson, NJ where he resided until his death.
Tom enjoyed spending time with his family and neighbors, listening to all types of music, playing and watching sports (specifically the Yankees, Jets, Knicks and Islanders), darts, pool, boxing, karate, and swimming at the local YMCA. Always possessing and displaying a special appreciation for math and numbers, Tom once famously held a party with friends and family for the purpose of celebrating his 10,000th day on earth. He loved telling jokes, especially to his grandchildren. Tom had a love of animals, the family cat "Zoey" stayed with him until the very end. He loved to make people laugh and would lighten any situation. Tom was fully devoted to his family and friends; he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The viewing will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1 to 5 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:30 am followed by interment at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown.
Donations in Tom's memory to Tunnel to Towers (Tunnel to Towers Foundation) would be appreciated.