Services on March 7 at St. Stephen's for former Ridgefielder Derek S. McCleery

 

Derek S. McCleery

Samuel Derek McCleery of Newtown CT, formerly of Ridgefield, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on February 26, 2015.

Mr. McCleery was born in Bangor, Northern Ireland, and immigrated with his wife, Iris M. McCleery, to America in 1953.

Derek was the senior Vice President of Gulf+Western Industries until his retirement at age 50. Derek continued to work as a consultant in ad valorem taxation. He was the founder and president of the Institute of Property Taxation. Mr. McCleery had been very active in many community organizations, including The Boys and Girls Club, The Community Center, Board of Tax Review, Historical Society, and St. Stephen's Church.

He was the husband of the late Iris McCleery. Mr. McCleery is survived by son Ian Michael McCleery, and daughters Sharron (Steve) Lavatori, Siobhan (Chris) Santini, and Stephanie (Robb) Heering, and by eight grandchildren Jeff Lavatori, Brandon, Michael, and Morgan Santini, and Robb Jr., Kyle, Derek, and Connor Heering.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. in St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 351 Main Street, Ridgefield with the Rev. Whitney Altopp, Rector officiating. Entombment will take place in the Crypt of St. Stephen's Church at the direction of the family.

There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 6 Washington Square, P.O. Box 334, Newtown, CT 06470. Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, is in charge of arrangements.