STEPHENTOWN, N.Y. — Gerald W. "Duke" Derby, 81, formerly of Hancock, Mass. died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, at his home in Stephentown.

He was born in Pittsfield, Mass. on Feb. 7, 1940, the son of the late Frank and Gertrude Sherman Derby. Duke was raised in Hancock, Mass. and was a graduate of New Lebanon High School. He lived all over Berkshire County and has lived in Stephentown for the past 25 years.

He was employed at various horse and cow farms throughout the area. He was also a welder and later was employed by the Sweet Brook Nursing Home in Williamstown, Mass. as a truck driver. He operated a pet store in the Cumberland Farms Plaza at Rt. 43 and Rt. 22 in Stephentown for a few years.

Duke was an excellent artist, woodworker and carpenter. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved watching western movies especially John Wayne movies. That is how he received the nickname "Duke."

He is the husband of Dorothy "Dottie" Volff, father of Brenda Derby-Elman of New Lebanon; brother of Sherman (Sandra) Derby of Hancock, Mass., Ronald (Mary Ann) Derby of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Paul (Helen) Derby of Pittsfield, Mass., Ed (Jan) Derby of Hancock, Mass. and the late Pamela Curry and Letisha Leahy; grandfather of Marissa, Jennifer, Angela, Donald and Kenneth; great grandfather of Eric, Catalaya and Nicholas; step-father of Tina (Andrew) Lack, John (Audrey) Volff, Jr. and Tanya (James) Snyder. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown, NY.

Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.