Theodore Derecky Sr.

Derecky, Theodore, Sr., - 99, of Newport, Theodore "Ted" Derecky, Sr. died peacefully on January 5, surrounded by his three daughters in his homestead, where he was born on December 3, 1923. For over 50 years, Ted was a commercial waterman, primarily a crabber upon the Sea Hunt on the Delaware Bay, during which time he operated the family business, Mom's Place, until his retirement at age 86. Throughout many of those years, he worked off seasons as a commercial oysterman and clammer. Ted was a 1941 graduate of Bridgeton High School. From 1943 through 1945 he was enlisted in the USCG-Merchant Marines, serving in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As a young man, Ted purchased a Bond Bread truck and truly loved the experience of getting to know his customers on his bakery route throughout Cumberland County. Later in life, he became a USCG-certified boat captain and operated a fishing charter. Ted enjoyed hunting and striper fishing, and was an avid Phillies fan. He had an appreciation for a wide variety of music genres from classical to country and everything in between, but his favorite musical artist was Roy Orbison. Having been raised to work on his parents' farm, Ted inculcated his love of the land, as well as his love of the bay, in his children. As a pre-teen, he worked in the kitchen of the iconic Charlesworth Hotel/Restaurant in Fortescue. He later played baseball for the Newport Team in the Oyster League. After retirement, Ted honed his woodworking and cooking skills by watching YouTube videos, and enjoyed taking leisurely drives to Fortescue and surfing the net on his iPad. Up until the end of his life, he spent much of his time maintaining his land. Ted is survived by his daughters, Tammy Hamilton (Timothy), Amy Formica (Frank), and Cindy Derecky; grandchildren, Matthew Hamilton, Autumn and Summer Seiger, Dillon, Lucas, Clint, Maverick, and Montana Pearson; and five great grandchildren. Ted was predeceased by his son Theodore Derecky, Jr.; his grandchildren Marshall King and Brooke Hamilton Craver; his former wife Elaine Derecky; and his siblings Ritchie Dashuta, Sophia Loper, and Pete Derecky. A memorial service and repass will be held at the Fortescue Fire Hall on Saturday, February 4 at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, his daughters request that donations be made in Theodore Derecky's honor to the Downe Township Fire/Rescue and Dive Team, 10 Vassar Avenue, Fortescue, NJ 08321.