The Rev. David C. Derby

The Rev. David C. Derby, 80, of Clay, NY, died Monday, June 23rd, 2014. The Rev. Derby grew up near Auburn, New York and graduated from Port Byron High School. He, then, graduated from Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955 and was conferred Master of Divinity degree in 1958 from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Rochester, New York. He was Ordained to the Christian Ministry in the First Christian Church of Auburn, (Now United Church) in 1954, while still a Senior in College. As a student, he served as Pastor of the Cornerstone Baptist Church, Naola, Virginia and Lake Avenue Methodist Church, Rochester, New York.

He served as pastor of three Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations in Virginia including Grafton Christian Church, Laurel Hill Christian Church, and Strasburg Christian Church. He then served a thirteen year pastorate with the Malden Road United Church of Christ in Mattydale. During the course of this pastoral experience he has held many positions in the wider Church including Chair of Finance, Clergy, Personnel and as Regional Moderator for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ in Virginia). Most recently, he served as Secretary of the New York Conference Commission on Ministry and a member at large on the Oneida Association General Ministry Team. He also served as an Elder Trustee and as chair of the Response Committee of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Northeastern Region. He is also author of the book, Thank God and Take Courage. In his leisure time, he enjoyed photography, reading and gardening.

The Rev. Derby is survived by Phyllis H. Derby, his beloved wife of 59 years and his son and daughter-in-law, David and Young Hee Derby, of Windsor Locks, CT; his brother, Jon Derby of New Bern, NC; and by his two sisters: Ruth Anne Barnhardt of Bloomington, IN and Sheryl Douglas of New Bern, NC.

Contributions in The Rev. Derby's memory may be made to Malden Road United Church of Christ, 108 Malden Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211 or to Colgate Rochester Divinity School, 1100 South Goodman St., Rochester, NY 14620.

Friends may call on Friday from 4-7 pm at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, 10 am, at Malden Road United Church of Christ. Burial will be in Throopsville Rural Cemetery.