Obituary of Earl J. Derby

Earl J. Derby, 88, a long-time resident of Saratoga Springs, in the Town of Wilton, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by his family. Born January 7, 1928 in Northumberland, NY he was the son of the late Paul and Rose Seney Derby. He is survived by two brothers, Robert and Eugene. Mr. Derby was a true patriot who served with the US Navy in both WWII and the Korean War, between wars he trained in Electrical Engineering at the Veterans Vocational School in Troy, NY. Following his service, he enjoyed a 43 year long career as an Electrical Engineer with Espey Manufacturing, retiring as a Project Engineer. During his tenure at Espey he was involved with the design of lighting parts used in the first space ship to the moon, as well as the design of the Sigmoidoscope. He is credited with the patent of the transformer part, the Derby Core Belt. An active member of St. Clements Church for 63 years he was a Eucharistic Minister for 36 years, was greatly involved with the retreat program, on the building committee, and volunteered in numerous other capacities to include helping at the annual horse show fundraiser. Earl had many varied interests to include: national and world affairs, woodworking, landscaping, cross country skiing, family camping, and going dancing with his beautiful bride. He enjoyed travel, getting together with friends to play cards, attending family gatherings, parades, concerts, and the races. He was known for having a sharp memory and a good joke to share! Earl is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Fawn Elaine Harrington of Bakers Mills, NY, and five children: David (Trish) Derby of Littleton, Colorado, Darlene (Jeff) Bombard of Bennington, VT, Diane (Tullio) Morbidini of Norwich, NY, Dennis Derby of Saratoga Springs (longtime girlfriend Suzanne Cohen), and Dawn Desjardins (Bob Lovell) of Malta, NY. Remembered as a fun and lighthearted jokester, Grandpa Earl is held-treasured by eleven grandchildren: Bernardette, Angelique, Carolyn, April, Michael, Craig, Maria, Natalie, Danielle, and is predeceased by Ginger and Tracy. He also proudly enjoyed seventeen grandchildren. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11am Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at St. Clements Church, Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. Burial will follow at 12:30pm in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Friends may call on Monday, December 19, 2016 from 4-7pm at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville. Memorials can be made in his memory to St. Clements Retreat Program, Outreach Ministry, c/o St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.