It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Raymond F. Derr, Jr. of Massillon, OH — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
Raymond spent his working life as ['custodian at E'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A parent's life is measured, in part, by the lives he shaped.
Raymond “Corky” F. Derr Jr., 97, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 26, 2026. He was a longtime resident of Massillon, Ohio, before spending the final 15 months of his life in Estero, Florida, where he resided at American House.Raymond was born on June 8, 1928, in Massillon, Ohio, to the late Raymond F. Derr Sr. and Grace (Schmidt) Derr.He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. On September 6, 1954, he married Darlene Rose. They shared 67 years of marriage before her passing on January 15, 2021.Raymond retired in 1993 from Massillon City Schools, where he worked as a custodian at E.J. Bowers Elementary School. Following his retirement, he and Darlene spent 14 years working together at Cummings Florist.He enjoyed watching Cleveland sports with his son, traveling with his family, and taking walks around the neighborhood with his wife. Raymond was a devoted member of St. Barbara’s Church in Massillon for over 60 years.He is survived by his children, Benjamin (Denise) Derr and Rosemarie Garbonick; his grandchildren, Jessica (Nicholas) Sampsel, Alexandra (Michael) Marasti, Vincent Garbonick, and Grace Garbonick; and his great-grandchildren, Elliott and Addison Sampsel.In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, David and Richard Derr.Visitation will be on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 12:30 pm - 1:30pm at the Paquelet Funeral Home, Massillon, where funeral services will start at 1:30 pm with Fr. Thomas Cebula officiating. Entombment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial GardensThe family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of American House and VITAS Health Care Hospice for their compassionate care during his final months.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Raymond’s name to the charity of the donor's choice.To leave a message for the family, please visit the button below.
