Derek Whordley

Derek Whordley, age 79, of Monroeville, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Beloved husband of Carol J. Cantini; loving father of Lucy (Richard) Grayson, Jennifer (Kris) Long and Amy (Jeffrey) Donis; cherished grandfather of Edward Grayson, Owen Tanzilli, Kitt Donis, and Grace Long. Derek also had a large extended family in both England and Australia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Whordley and Ethel Joan Bates; and his cherished dogs, Max and Charlie. Derek was born in Arley, Warwickshire, England and studied education at the Borough Road College in London. He then taught in both England and Turkey prior to traveling to the United States in 1972 to obtain his Ph.D in Education from Michigan State University. His career led him to Atlanta, Georgia and Morehead, Kentucky before arriving in Pittsburgh. He continued his career at Duquesne University, where he was the Dean of the School of Education until he returned to the classroom as a professor. He loved history, old cowboy movies and was a veracious reader, which led to his vast collection of books ranging from history to dictionaries. He also had a general interest in language and a specific interest in dialect. Derek was a giant man in so many ways. Family and friends will be received for a memorial visitation from 10 am until the time of the memorial service at 12 PM on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at the JOBE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC. (MONROEVILLE/PLUM CHAPEL) 445 Beatty Road, Monroeville (412-856-4747). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or by phone to (800) 608-3023. Online condolences may be given at www.jobefuneralhome.com.

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