Obituary for Preston J. Derck
Preston J. Derck, 82, of Centre Twp., passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2022 in the Reading Hospital. He was the husband of Susan M. (Jacobs) Derck, who he married in 1973.
Born in Shamokin, he was the son of the late Preston G. Derck and Bertha M. (Gillespie) Saltzman; and step-son of the late Anna Derck and George Saltzman. Preston was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a truck driver for Kurtz Bros.; and last worked for Reading School District in the maintenance department. Preston enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, animals and camping. He especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and great-granddaughter. Preston proudly attained over thirty years of sobriety.
Surviving in addition to his wife is his daughter: Heather M. (Derck) Malick, Fleetwood; three granddaughters: Chaney M. Malick; Rylee N. Malick; and Emme A. Malick; and one great-granddaughter: Daisy. Preston is also survived by a half-sister: Ruthann (Derck) Mikus, Georgetown, Delaware.
Preston's family would like to extend their special thanks to the staff of the Reading Hospital, the McGlinn Cancer Center, and Tower Health Hospice for the quality of care and the compassion extended toward Preston and the family.
A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held on Friday at 1:30 pm from Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reiffton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Easy Does It, Inc., 1300 Hilltop Road, Leesport, PA 19533. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.
Born in Shamokin, he was the son of the late Preston G. Derck and Bertha M. (Gillespie) Saltzman; and step-son of the late Anna Derck and George Saltzman. Preston was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a truck driver for Kurtz Bros.; and last worked for Reading School District in the maintenance department. Preston enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, animals and camping. He especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and great-granddaughter. Preston proudly attained over thirty years of sobriety.
Surviving in addition to his wife is his daughter: Heather M. (Derck) Malick, Fleetwood; three granddaughters: Chaney M. Malick; Rylee N. Malick; and Emme A. Malick; and one great-granddaughter: Daisy. Preston is also survived by a half-sister: Ruthann (Derck) Mikus, Georgetown, Delaware.
Preston's family would like to extend their special thanks to the staff of the Reading Hospital, the McGlinn Cancer Center, and Tower Health Hospice for the quality of care and the compassion extended toward Preston and the family.
A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held on Friday at 1:30 pm from Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reiffton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Easy Does It, Inc., 1300 Hilltop Road, Leesport, PA 19533. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.