Mr. John "Jack" L. Derwin

A proud Irish man, devoted to his family.

WATERBURY - With profound sadness and broken hearts, the family of John “Jack” Leo Derwin, age 86 of Waterbury, announce his passing on Friday, May 3, 2024, at home surrounded by his beloved family and pets. He was the devoted husband of Elaine (Newell) Derwin.  

Jack was born on April 11, 1938, in Waterbury CT, the son of the late Thomas H. and Catherine (Ryan) Derwin. He was a lifelong resident of Waterbury, educated in local schools and proudly served his country with the U.S. Army assigned to Co E 102^nd Infantry Regiment 43^rd Division. He was with the local regiment that assisted so many CT residents during the catastrophic Flood of 1955. Jack spent his entire career as a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union as a Steamfitter working for various local companies. Jack and Elaine truly enjoyed many happy years camping at Nelsons Family Campground in East Hampton, where they made lasting friendships and lots of great memories.  Jack had an amazing sense of humor, made friends wherever he went and found the best local hangouts everywhere he traveled.  He was a tag sale fanatic, loved to negotiate the best price for his “finds” and always found a treasure to pass on to family and friends. He and Elaine loved to travel. They went cross country, loved Maine, and had a memorable trip to Ireland to visit his families roots Jack was very proud of his Irish heritage, in fact his grandchildren thought he was a leprechaun when they were younger. Jack loved music, would sing to everyone, and even sang to his beloved Elaine right to the end. More than anything else, Jack was devoted to his family and loved to be surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.  

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory, besides his loving wife, Elaine of 60 years are his children; Dawn Porter and her husband, Craig of Goshen, Melva Nevers and her husband, Ron and Jacqueline Streich and her husband, Jay all of Waterbury.  Jack and Elaine were blessed with four grandchildren; Nick Nevers (Erica), Ryan Nevers (Amanda), Jay Orsini (Angel) and Chris Orsini and three great grandsons; Jackson Nevers, Jayce Orsini and Bennett Nevers. Jack will be sadly missed by his dog, Sugar and cat, Boots. He also leaves his brother, William Derwin of Prospect and sister, Mary Dowling of West Suffield. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Derwin.  

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Widman and all the staff of the 7^th Floor at Waterbury Hospital for their compassion and tremendous care for Jack.  

Funeral services for Mr. Derwin will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Leo the Great Church 14 Bentwood Dr, Waterbury, CT.  Burial will be held at the convenience of his family. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jack’s family on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705 until leaving for church services at 10:30 a.m. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the Derwin family, please visit our Sympathy Store.