Eugene F. “Gene” McDerby - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Eugene F. “Gene” McDerby

Eugene F. Gene McDerby, age 66, of Bear, Delaware passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 with his loving family by his side.

Born on June 4, 1949 in Bayonne, New Jersey, he was a son of the late John McDerby and Margaret (Sugrue) McDerby.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Intrepid.

Gene, as he was affectionately known by all, worked for Chrysler Parts in Newark, where he dedicated more than 40 years as a skilled trade safety and maintenance worker.

In his spare time, he loved fishing and crabbing, especially with his children, grandchildren and other family members. He was an avid model train collector.

With his caring and kindred spirit, Gene possessed a passion for helping others and actively volunteered many times a week at the Emmanuel Dining Room West. He touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed and remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.

Gene leaves many fond memories to his loving wife of 26 years, Anna M. (Anderson) McDerby; three children, Daniel McDerby, Bethany Greene (Arnold) and Sandra Colicchio (Joseph Twaddell); two brothers, Jack McDerby (Pat) and Kevin McDerby (Diane); three sisters, Patricia Capaldi (Tony), Ellen Goode (Bill) and Peggy Bremer (Mickey); seven special grandchildren, TJ, Jasmine, Alex, Hailey, Sean, Ruthie and Britton, as well as many dear friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12:15 pm on Monday afternoon, October 19, 2015 at Holy Family R.C. Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE, where friends may visit with his family from 9:45 am until 11:45 am. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.

In honor of Gene’s love for the helping others, his family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Emmanuel Dining Room West, 121 N. Jackson Street, Wilmington, DE 19805.

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18 Condolences for Eugene F. “Gene” McDerby

  • God must of needed another angel because Gene looked out for everyone . Making sure you got enough to eat and even giving you some to take home. He would of gave you the shirt off his back.He was a great brother in law he treated me more like his sister. He is really going to be missed rest in peace.

  • My deepest sympathy to all of the McDerby family. Gene was such a kind and funny soul. I know he will be missed as much as he was loved. Wishing that time and fond memories will help to soothe the pain you feel now.
    Kathy

  • GOD BLESS ! YOUR FAMILY GENE

  • My deepest sympathy to you Anna and all the McDerby family. May God bless you in this time of sorrow and let eternal light shine upon Gene. May he rest in peace.

  • Gene was the most giving and generous man I’ve the please to know. God rest his soul

  • We will miss Gene and tuck it away in our hearts and carry this pain and knowledge of this loss on our journey. But as we move on we will always remember him for his kind and caring ways, his energy and quick willingness to help others. I will remember always that when you spoke with Gene you always felt a bit uplifted. There was an energy which made one feel great to know him..carry on sailor..will miss you.
    Bill and Diane Rhoades

  • Worked with Gene at Chrysler and both our family’s were from Bayonne
    Remember Gene as a hard worker and caring person. God bless Gene and comfort his family at this time. Butch Fedorka

  • I knew Gene since 1957 when our parents moved from New Jersey and settled down to live on Malvern Road. We all grew up on Malvern Road and moved on, but we stayed in touch. As youngsters we liked model trains and continued to this day. Gene was a true caring person and would lend a hand to help if need be. Gene was a member of our “Boys of Malvern” lunch group which met once a month up until a few months ago. I will miss you Gene, “Fair winds in your sails till we meet again.”

  • The Mahoney and Donaldson families wish to extend their sympathy to the Mc Derby brothers and sisters and all family members. We enjoyed growing up with all of you and ask God to bless and keep watch over Gene and his loved ones. May he rest in peace/

  • Bill and Diane,
    Thanks!!!
    Stay safe.
    Kevin

  • Richard,
    Thanks!! You are the best.
    Kevin

  • Butch,
    Thanks for thinking of Gene and the McDerby family.
    We all came from a great neighborhood.
    Kevin

  • Maryagnes and Walt,
    Thanks for thinking of Gene and the Family. Your extended sympathy means a lot. We all have many fond memories of days gone by. You guys are an important part of those memories.
    Thanks,
    Kevin

  • To all the McDerby family, Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at such a hard time. Your family is well known and such a loving one, which I hope will ease your heartache. Gene will be dearly missed by many and never forgotten. One of the nieghbors from Merion Rd. Kathy Herlehy-Douglass and Mrs. Laura Herlehy ♡♡♡

  • I was deeply saddened by the news of Gene’s death. We went to high school together and although we hadn’t seen each other in years, I always remember him with great affection. Even then, he had a quiet kindness about him. I have many fond memories of times spent together and lots of teenage fun. My deepest sympathy to his family and to the community which he served. Rest in peace, friend.

  • Our deepest sympathy to Jack, Kevin, Trish, Ellen & Peggy & your families. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you all. Sorry we couldn’t have been with you in your time of grief. I will always remember Gene as the quiet one with the thoughtful ways. Will keep you all in my prayers. Diane, Pat & family

  • Kathy,
    Thank you for your kind words about Gene and the McDerby family. Your remembrance means a lot.
    Kevin

  • Diane,
    Thanks for the thoughts, prayers and kind words about Gene and the McDerby family.
    Kevin