Robert Derrickson, successful businessman
Robert “Bob” Derrickson, 74, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. He was born June 24, 1948, at Beebe Hospital in Lewes, son of the late former State Rep. Harry E. Derrickson and Earline (Warren) Derrickson. A lifelong resident of Rehoboth Beach, Bob had a love for his town, and was proud to be a part of its growth and success. If you knew Bob, you knew of his quick wit and sense of humor, as well as his insane work ethic, but above all his love for his family.
As a boy, Bob spent many days in the dunes around Gordons Pond and back by the canal on Thompsons Island. He worked at Center Movie Theatre on Rehoboth Avenue, running the projectors, and even throwing a few spitballs for his own entertainment. He graduated from Rehoboth High School in 1967.
Bob graduated from The University of Delaware, where he studied business administration. While at UD, his passion for Blue Hen football began. Being a football player at Rehoboth, Bob went out as a walk-on for the football team, but he was cut because of medical reasons. That did not deter his growing love for the team. He attended every Saturday game as a student. Upon his graduation in 1971, Bob continued to follow UD football, attending a few games, but always listening to the game on the radio. Later in life when his kids were grown, he purchased season tickets. After a few years, Bob decided he wanted to be on the field and was able to join the chain crew. This was a true highlight for him as a Blue Hen; being on the field every Saturday in the action, even taking tackles here and there.
Besides football, Bob’s next greatest love was golf. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the opportunity to play on many courses across the country, as well as in Scotland and Ireland with friends on a golf excursion. Bob spent many afternoons sitting on his deck watching other golfers as they putted on the green behind his house. He was able to check off an item on his bucket list this past spring and go to the Masters; a wonderful trip spent with his son-in-law and chain crew friends. Bob was also a history buff, and he loved watching old World War ll movies and reading about battles.
Upon his college graduation, Bob took over the business his father started, Carlton’s Men’s Wear. His time in retail allowed him to travel and meet people from all over. Often, Bob would invite people to visit the nation’s summer capital so he could show off the town he loved. In the mid-’80s, he started to get involved in real estate development with the purchase of a piece of property on Rehoboth Avenue. Bob wanted to build something that would be attractive and people would notice, but he also wanted to keep the small-town charm. He was the co-founder of the Downtown Business Association, now Main Street. Through this, Bob helped bring visitors to town in the off-season, starting with the Christmas Tree lighting in 1986 and then co-founding the Jazz Festival and the Easter Egg Hunt on the beach.
Bob’s real estate development expanded to Route 1, starting with Lighthouse Plaza, and is continuing to grow. The residential and commercial development business grew so quickly, he was not able to spend the time he needed with Carlton’s, so he sold that business in 2005. With the growing success of his real estate, Bob enrolled at the Wharton School of Business, where he received a Certificate in Leasing. Bob was also a founding member of County Bank and continued to be a part of the executive board until his passing.
As part of Bob’s business ventures, he had the ability to be involved in many organizations, starting with being the youngest president of Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce in the mid-’70s. He worked with Meals on Wheels as president of the board, then served on the board of directors, helping revitalize their service to the community and fundraising by starting the Harry E. Derrickson Memorial Golf Tournament. Bob was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and took advantage of many volunteer opportunities there. Most recently, with the help of Betsy, he was able to start a memorial scholarship for their sons, Kenny and Geoffrey, who passed as children.
When Bob’s daughter moved to Blacksburg, Va., this prompted him to fulfill his dream to fly, and he became a pilot. He bought a plane, so he did not have to make the dreaded drive. Bob loved flying and all the adventures he was able to have, like flying up and down the East Coast from The Bahamas to Canada and west to Michigan. He was thrilled to help families in need by offering Angel Flights for patients who needed medical care far from home. He offered many friends the opportunity to fly with him, although not all took him up on the offer. He missed flying the last few years and was often heard saying, “If only I had my airplane.” Besides flying, Bob took immense pride in his yard; his work was honored by Kings Creek with the Random Acts of Beauty award. He spent countless hours working in his yard, but also many hours sitting on his deck admiring the peaceful oasis he had created.
Family was important to Bob, and he spent as much time as he could with his daughter and grandchildren, traveling to Blacksburg and taking his grandchildren on trips for their birthdays. Most recently, he had been to visit to watch his grandson play football and visit his granddaughters on their college campuses. He (Pop) loved hearing about all the kids’ activities, sports, academics, and ROTC. Bob cherished time spent with the ones he held most dear. He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, cousin, and friend. Loved by many, he will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his two sons: Kenny (1987) and Geoffrey (1994); his older sister, Sandy Steele; and his younger brother, Jimmy Derrickson. He is survived by his daughter, Katie Sarver (Tommy); his grandchildren: Madeline and Allison and Jackson; his cousin, Richard Derrickson (Norma Lee), who was more like a brother; and countless friends.
A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 18, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. Burial will be private.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Benefit of Geoff and Ken Derrickson Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 327, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Visit Bob's Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
