Peter M Derry, Jr.

Peter M. Derry, Jr. 93, of Worcester, a Massachusetts Constable, and former Assistant Deputy Superintendent of The Worcester County Sheriff's Department, passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones, Friday April 29th, 2022.

Peter was born in Worcester, one of four sons, of Peter M. Derry, Sr., and Patience M. (Hicks) Derry. Raised in Worcester, Peter graduated from Commerce High School and Worcester Junior College. A proud patriot of the United States, Peter served his country in two wars, WWII and The Korean War.  Following high school he joined the U.S. Navy stationed at Pearl Harbor. Discharged he returned to Worcester and on September 13, 1952, married the “Love of his life’ Gloria M. Fernandez. Upon the breakout of the Korean War, Peter he was called to duty in the U.S. Marine corps serving his country once more as a member of the 10th Signal Corp out of Worcester.  Again, upon discharge, Peter accepted a position with Sheriff Joseph Smith at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction serving as Assistant Deputy Superintendent many years before retiring. He then founded, owned nurtured and operated the Worcester County Constables Inc.

Peter is survived by the “Love of his life” for the past 70 years, Gloria M. (Fernandez) Derry; his five children, Cheryl A. Rawinski, and her husband J. Philip of Sutton, Robin M. Lorusso and her husband Leonard “Dino” Lorusso, Scott A. Derry, and Kevin A. Derry all of Worcester; a brother; James O. Derry and his wife Paula of Shrewsbury; five grandchildren; Lisa Drumstas, Michael Drumstas Jr., Jason Rawinski, Sean Derry and Michael Derry, 4 great grandchildren; Nieces, nephews, extended family members and many friends.  In addition to his parents, Peter joins in heaven a son Peter Martin Derry, III who passed away in 2007 and two brothers, Thomas, and John Derry.

A member of “The Greatest Generation,” Peter was a proud veteran, a lifetime member of the Detachment 144 Marine Corp League in Worcester and The Fifth Marine Division Devil Dogs, the VFW Post 6907 of West Boylston also serving as Vice Commander, and presently a member of the Dudley Gendron VFW post 414 in Sutton.  Peter was notably a member of the 2019, Honor Flight New England returning to Washington D.C.

In Peters Life, nothing was more important than his family and his dogs. The special times he shared during the Holidays and special occasions were the times he loved. Peter was a larger than life individual, with a big smile, huge heart, and generous personality, always willing  to help anyone who needed it. When not with his family, Peter enjoyed his military veteran friends, bowling, and the Greendale Retired Men’s Club. Peter loved to Golf with many of his golf buddies of the Worcester Police Golf League and enjoying many trips to Myrtle Beach and Delray Florida.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Nurses, Susan and Margaret from the VA. Also Nurse Nicole and Personal Caretakers, Penny and Anna from Brookhaven.

Peter’s funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, May 5th at 11 am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 35 Fales Street, Worcester.  Burial with Marine Corps honors will follow in Rural Cemetery. There are no calling hours .  Memorial remembrances in his name can be made to The Second Chance animal shelter,  831 Main St, Worcester 01610 or the NEADS Animal program, 305 Redemption Rock Trail S, Princeton, MA.  To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit www.mercadantefuneral.com