Mr. Derek Burdon of Peabody, Massachusetts passed away peacefully at his home in Brooksby Village on Saturday May 6th, 2023 at the age of 96.
Born in Harworth, England on December 6, 1926, the second son of Harold and Sarah Burdon, Derek emigrated to the United States after World War II as a steam fitter. Settling in Pawtucket Rhode Island, Derek went to work for Crosby Steam Gauge and Valve Company and worked on the first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus. He met the love of his life, Rose Perry at a dance and they would spend the next 60 years together. After marrying Rose, Derek enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War, returning home a Master Sergeant.
Derek went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University and had a successful 38 year career at The Polaroid Corporation, making invaluable contributions to many camera designs and was highly respected by his peers. Upon his retirement, Derek pivoted from skilled engineer and problem solver extraordinaire to talented bird carver and quickly won many awards for his artistry.
A dedicated family man, Derek and Rose settled in Norwood, Massachusetts and later in Andover where they raised three children, made life-long friends, and wonderful memories. Derek was an honest and hard-working man of great integrity, humor and strength. Fearless and courageous in all his life’s endeavors, he was loved and admired by family and friends alike. Beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather to six, his entire family will miss his wisdom, kindness, and humor that he brought to our lives.
Derek is survived by daughter Diane M. Sullivan of Westport CT, son Derek R. Burdon of Randolph NJ, and son Peter D. Burdon and wife Allison of Plymouth, MA. Grandchildren Allison Martin and husband Jamie, Caley Sullivan and wife Kyla, Kayla Burdon and husband David Cardenas, Tyler Burdon and fiancé Heather Geer, Perry Burdon, Brooke Burdon, and Graham Burdon. His amazing great grandchildren Sam, Caroline and Elizabeth Martin and Quinn, Ruby and Ward Sullivan; along with his sister Margaret Ayer.
Derek is preceded in death by his wife Rose M. Burdon; son-in-law Michael J. Sullivan; and daughter-in-law Tina M. Burdon; brothers Harold, Harry, and Peter Burdon.
Donations can be made to Wounded Warriors Project in Derek’s honor.
Services will be held on May 30th at 1:30 pm at The Chapel at West Parish, 210 Lowell Street, Andover, MA 01810.
Burial will be immediately following in West Parish Garden Cemetery, 129 Reservation Road, Andover, MA 01810.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. For additional informataion, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com