In Commemoration of Ed Derby, Sr.

Williams colleagues,

I write with the promised commemoration of Ed Derby, Sr., who retired in 2022 with the title of Lead Power Plant Operator, and passed away on August 8, 2024, after an illness.

Ed joined Williams in 1982 and worked here for 40 years. Born in Pittsfield, MA, he was the son of the late Grover and Gertrude (Sherman) Derby and a lifelong resident of Hancock, MA. He joined Williams soon after he graduated from New Lebanon High School in 1976.

Among Ed’s colleagues in the power plant he became known as the go-to person for advice and experience. His wife, Jan, says that when students came through the plant as part of a class or group, he always enjoyed answering their questions. His friend and fellow lead operator, Carl Kendall, recalls, “Ed loved that plant. He was incredibly devoted to it.” Carl added a vivid example: “There was one particularly bad cold snap when he and Sherm [Ed’s nephew and colleague, Sherman Derby, Jr., also now retired] stayed at the plant for an entire weekend. They slept in shifts so they could make sure the plant stayed online and kept everyone from freezing.”

Another close colleague, Power Plant Operator Walter Andrzejewski, Jr., recalls, “Ed was a true friend on and off the job. He took great pride in his work and was always willing to teach and share his knowledge about the heating plant with anyone who was interested. I was fortunate to have him as a shift lead. He will be missed by me and so many other people.”

I recommend that you read the obituary published by Ed’s family for other details of Ed’s life, including his involvement in the Williams Masonic Lodge and the joy he took in dressing as Santa Claus for the Hancock Town Community Christmas, as well as hunting, fishing and camping with his family.

Ed is survived by Jan, his wife of 47 years; children Janice West and Edward J. Derby, Jr.; siblings Sherman Derby, Sr., Ronald Derby, Paul Derby, the late Gerald “Duke” Derby, Letitia Leahy and Pamela Curry; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on August 15, 2024. The family welcomes memorial donations to the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department, 3276 Hancock Rd., Hancock, MA 01237. To contribute to Ed’s Book of Memories, please visit the family’s obituary.

Our thoughts go out to Jan and Ed’s entire family, as well as his many friends and Williams colleagues, who have gone too quickly from celebrating his retirement to mourning his passing.

Maud