SALEM - Raymond "Ray" Derby (76), formerly of East Boston and currently of Salem, passed away unexpectedly during the early hours of March 29th 2025 with his beloved wife and daughter at his side.

Born in Chelsea in 1947 and growing up in East Boston, Ray dedicated his life to public service, becoming a member of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department in 1972.  Ray loved his job at both the infamous Deer Island House of Corrections as well as the South Bay House of Corrections. He faithfully served as a correctional officer for more than 32 years. He was always full of hilarious and heartwarming stories of his time there, which were echoed by his treasured coworkers turned family at events such as the ones held at meetings by the Blue Knights motorcycle club. Ray served as Vice President of the Blue Knights MA XVII chapter, an office he only took because his friend Peter strong-armed him into the role. What Peter and everyone around Ray knew, though, was that he was a natural leader. He was highly empathic and was a man who was not afraid to cry (even at episodes of his favorite show, Pitbulls and Parolees).

Ray met Chrissy, his best friend and partner in this life, at a Dunkin' Donuts, asking her out on a date based on a bet from his friend Louie. Ray's true calling in this lifetime, though, was to be a father. Ray welcomed his daughter, Meghan, into the world in 1998 with his cherished wife Christine. Ray was the most supportive and loving father. He did whatever it took to give his family opportunities and experiences that he himself did not have growing up. Ray and his daughter were extremely close and would frequently fight over which NHL team was better; the Montreal Canadiens, or the Boston Bruins. Ray was not without fault, as the Canadiens fan anecdote explores. He was stubborn, impatient, and he was at the vending machines so often at work that they nicknamed them "Ray's slot machines."  But above all, he was kind, selfless, and had an insane ability to sniff out any Dunkin' Donuts in a five-mile radius.

Ray is preceded by his mother Ethel (Greer) Derby, and his brothers Walter Derby, David Derby, and Arthur Derby. He leaves behind his cherished wife of more than 25 years, Christine (Walsh) Derby, and his daughter and best friend, Meghan Derby, as well as her partner Ryan Johnston. Ray also leaves behind his treasured friends, many of whom he considered family; they all know who they are, and Ray's family remains bolstered by their support and love.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Ray's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 3 PM. Burial is private.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.