John J. Jack Derrig, Jr. Obituary (1944 - 2016)

John Joseph Derrig Jr. Jack Westbrook- Jack Derrig, husband, father, and grandfather, died unexpectedly on December 12, 2016. Jack was born on July 31, 1944, in Portland. He grew up on the Hill and attended Cathedral School and Portland High School. The family later moved to Kenilworth Street and Jack transferred to Deering High. He graduated from Deering High School in 1963 and then went on to graduate from SMVTI, currently known as SMCC. Jack worked as a plumber/pipe fitter and was a loyal member of Local Union 716 for 52 years. He worked various jobs for the union including shut downs in state and out of state, CMP and Douglas Brothers. In his younger days Jack had a love for cars, and owned several classics he was quite proud of. Jack and his father were very close and they spent a lot of time together; they were both members of the Elks Club and the YMCA. Together they traveled to Ireland where they visited family, and later made return trips. Jack was very proud of his Irish heritage and his grandparents that immigrated here from County Mayo, Ireland. He still kept in touch with family there. Jack had a special bond with his mother Mary and enjoyed her Sunday dinners, her family values and especially her polish placki. Jack had a passion for the ocean, from his lobster boat named The Miss Katie to his sailboat where his favorite days were spent on the water sailing with his father, his family or often just he and his daughter. An avid sports fan he followed the Patriots and his all-time favorite the Celtics. In younger days he went to Celtics games and saw the likes of Larry Bird, Tommy Heinsohn, and Kevin Mckale. He never missed a Celtics game on T.V. and was quick to tell you when they won. Jack also followed local sports and was a fan of Cheverus basketball. Jack met Debbie in 1993 and married. They knew it was right and they shared 23 years of marriage. Jack and Deb both enjoyed sports, boats and classic car shows. Their real love was camping. Favorite times were spent at their seasonal camp on Lake Estes in Alfred. Great memories were made at camp when the granddaughters would visit. A lot of swimming, wagon rides, and ice cream! Most precious to Jack is his nine year old granddaughter Hannah Derrig who referred to him as Grampy. From the minute Hannah was born he referred to her as his little angel. She was a bright star in his life, and he was always involved with her activities and so enjoyed spending time with her. He was especially proud of her swimming, kept track of her times and loved to brag to anyone who would listen. The highlight of this year for Jack was his daughters wedding just a few short months ago. He was so proud and happy to be able to walk her down the aisle, have their dance and share the day with her. He hadnt danced in years but seemed to find his groove on the dance floor, smiling ear to ear. It was a happy day for all, especially him. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Derrig of Westbrook; daughter, Kathleen Derrig and husband Jim of Portland; sister, Marie Kane and husband Paul of Portland; step son Ron Jones; granddaughter, Hannah Derrig and step-granddaughter Kayla Jones. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, December 19 from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 20 at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.