James O. Derry

SHREWSBURY - James Owen ‘Jim’ Derry, 89, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully after a long battle with leukemia on Tuesday, March 5th surrounded by his loving family and beloved wife Paula M. (Cornacchioli) Derry. Born May 15, 1934 in Worcester he was one of five children late of Peter M. Derry Sr., and Patience M. (Hicks) Derry. 

Raised in Worcester he was a graduate of South High School and later served honorably with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Mildred, Thomas, Peter, and John Derry. Throughout his life he remained proud of his Irish heritage.

Jim met Paula at Saint Anne’s Church in 1978 where they became best friends to one another and later married on October 28, 1995. In addition to his wife, Paula, he leaves his children, James O. Derry (Denise) of Lehigh Acres, Florida, Alan G. Derry of Shrewsbury, T. Lorraine Webster of Worcester, Michael J. Derry (Susan) of Webster, Joseph A. Derry (Kelley) of Charlton and M. Celeste Algieri (Robert) of Oxford; his step-children, John T. Lyden of Shrewsbury and Karen M. Plourde of Worcester; he is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren as well as 2 great-great grandchildren; many nieces & nephews. 

Jim’s professional career spanned over 30 years beginning with the Massachusetts State Police where he worked for several years, and then with the Shrewsbury Police Department as patrolman and detective. He was a well-respected policeman in the community. 

He was an athlete who enjoyed many sports that included baseball, softball, horseshoes, fishing, and golf. He also followed all Boston sports teams and enjoyed his annual birthday excursions to the casino. Later in life he enjoyed the camaraderie with his brother and friends at the VFW #6907 in West Boylston. For years Jim played golf with the Worcester Police Golf League. 

Jim and Paula spent eighteen years at their cabin which they considered their retreat in West Chesterfield, New Hampshire. There they played countless rounds with their many friends golfing. And Jim kept active spending endless hours walking with his dog, Blue. 

Family and friends are invited to attend his calling hours at Saint Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 10^th.  

His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday in the church. Military honors will be rendered following the Mass. 

Burial at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury, will take place at a later date with his family.

In lieu of flowers, the Derry family requests donations to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham,