DeRue, Robert F.

Robert Franklin DeRue was comfortable when he passed on December 6, 2021 at the age of 87.

Bob was pre-deceased by his first love and wife, Carol Barbara Camp in 1997. He is survived by his wife Sally, son Todd (Corin), grandson Johnathan Robert – with his middle namesake, step-son Warren Patterson (Carol), step-grandchildren Aaron and Kimberly Patterson and Morgan and Moira Cunningham, sister Elaine (Jim Anthony), and nieces and nephews. A special recognition goes out to Erika Zobel, whom he acknowledged as his friend and daughter.

Bob was born in Fairport, NY on May 23, 1934 to Dorothy and Abram DeRue of East Avenue in the village, who have also pre-deceased him.

Growing up in Fairport, Bob felt a strong sense of community. Always a Red Raider, he was a triple letterman, playing football, basketball and baseball until he graduated from Fairport High in 1952.

An avid outdoorsman early on, Bob hunted a little, but developed a life-long passion for fishing. He also became adept at every possible aspect of home handiwork as well as auto mechanics. As a youth, he worked at a Fairport nursery where he discovered another of his interests in vegetable and flower gardening. He enjoyed photography, studying it at RIT and earning an associate degree.

In October 1953, he began a 3-year enlistment in the Marine Corps, serving in the 1st Marine Division in Korea and stateside in California, as a Radio/Tel Operator. He earned The National Defense Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and was an expert rifle marksman. Before the end of his term and honorable discharge in October of 1956, Sergeant DeRue married his high school sweetheart Carol in June; taking her to back to California with him.

Back in Fairport, he opened the Mobil station at the corners of South Main and East Church Streets in the village; pumping gas in-between the auto work. After a short stint in the gas station business, he took a job at Kodak, where he worked for over 30 years.

In 1973, he and his first wife purchased a cottage on Goose Bay, NY in the 1,000 Islands, where he spent his weekends, many vacations, and where he eagerly moved after retirement. Throughout his life, he continued his love for fishing Goose Bay and the St. Lawrence River, and making constant improvements to the cottage, he continued pursuing new interests including wood carving, furniture refinishing, chair caning, quilting, furniture refinishing, and bird watching. Always the sports enthusiast, he loved watching those he’d played and was a huge Bills fan.

Bob also enjoyed road trips, embarking on many over the years. A lot of them were in the company of his close (then-friends) Sally and her first husband Stu, who pre-deceased them and Carol. Infinitely patient with Carol in everything, they frequently embarked with his beloved in-laws Grace and Henry Camp in tow.

He was a dedicated leader in his son’s Fairport Scout Troop 209, and an active participant in his son’s path to the Eagle Scout Award. In 1989, he joined his son’s national fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, at SUNY Brockport, inducted as an honorary Father Initiate.

After retiring to the cottage, Bob dutifully cared for Carol during a prolonged illness until she passed. He would eventually remarry in 1999, and once again return to Fairport and a second home there with Sally, maintaining the cottage until a few years ago.

Bob and Sally continued their history of taking road trips, seeking opportunities to spend time with friends and family well as exploring the country. They often played games together and enjoyed the company of their loved ones and bringing everyone together.

Calling Hours will be held Monday December 13, 4-6PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport.