Derek John Giorlando

Derek J. Giorlando, suddenly passed away in his sleep on Sunday, June 23, 2019. He was 40 years old. Derek was born in Royal Oak, MI on Aug 18, 1978. He was the second child, and the first son, of Victoria Lynn and Matthew Martin Giorlando.
Derek was a beautiful person and a loving devoted husband. He met his wife, his high school sweet heart Kelly while attending Anchor Bay Highschool in 1990. From that point forward Derek and Kelly were inseparable. After graduation he moved to Florida to be with Kelly and his family. Derek started studying the bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and completely changed his life. Both Derek and Kelly dedicated their life to Jehovah on April 4, 1998. They both went into the fulltime preaching work, where Derek also served on the Elder body at various congregations in Florida and Michigan. Derek’s knowledge of the bible was unparallel, he used that knowledge to help his family and many others to come to know Jehovah God and his kingdom.
He loved to cook, to read, to learn and to help others. He was loving, generous and loyal to everyone he knew. His family affectionally remember him as just being Derek. His sister Sarah fondly remembers her brothers sense of humor, “Derek, Justin, Bill, Kelly and myself would always joke around, mostly at Kelly and Bill’s expense. We loved each other and were always with one another. Some of my best memories in life are with my brother Derek”. One of Justin’s memories of his brother was “I was in a deep sleep, it was around 3am when Derek came into my room and cracked open a smelling salt under my nose. Needless to say, I woke right up. Derek was always doing stuff like that, and I will miss him terribly”. Kelly remembers their deep love they shared “Derek was my home and my heart. He was everything to me.” Derek’s Mom shared “I always thought I’d have girls and to my surprise I had a beautiful baby boy. Derek surpassed everything I could ever expect in a son. He was and is in my heart and will never leave it until I see him again.”
“We know he is in Jehovah’s memory, and has won the race. We look forward to seeing him again.” his family said in a tribute.
Revelation 21:4 “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
Derek is survived by: his wife Kelly Giorlando, mother Victoria Giorlando, siblings Sarah Paul and (her husband Bill), Justin Giorlando and (his wife Megan); nephews Noah Paul and Andrew Giorlando. Maternal Grandmother Betty Smith, Paternal Grandmother Lila Giorlando, and many other friends and relatives.
Donations can be made to Derek’s wife Kelly at gofundme link: gf.me/u/tqtvs7

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