Derrin K. Carter
September 2, 1974 – January 24, 2026
Derrin K. Carter, 51, of Mashantucket, CT, transitioned to the Spirit World on January 24, 2026, at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy deeply rooted in family, culture, and community.
Born on September 2, 1974, at Women & Infants Hospital, Derrin was the beloved son of Maxine Carter (Mashantucket) and Sam Fry (Florida). A proud father, Derrin’s greatest joy in life was his children—Derrin K. McKnight-Carter and girlfriend Catia Soto of Norwich, CT; Deriyana P. (Carter) Childs and husband Khary Childs of Silverdale, WA; Honey R. Carter of Norwich, CT; and Da’Cari K. Carter of Taftville, CT. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Dezmond K. Carter. Derrin was also the proud grandfather of Laiah L. Carter and Deago L. Childs, who brought him endless happiness and pride.
He is also survived by his cherished sisters, Keri M. Carter and Honey L. Carter, both of Mashantucket, and brothers Sam Fry (Westerly) and Lee Fry (Portsmouth). His niece, Mylasia Thomas and nephews, Kelcey Carter, Cameron Thomas, Ocean Boyd, Lee Fry Jr., Reider Fry, and Norman Fry. As well as hisaunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Derrin spent much of his childhood surrounded by love, especially with his beloved grandmother, Phyllis Monroe-Waite(Nan), who played a significant and cherished role in his life. Derrin grew up in South Kingstown, RI, before moving to the Mashantucket Reservation, where he attended the Ledyard School system and graduated from Ledyard High School as a varsity basketball and football player. A proud Pequot and Narragansett man, Derrin loved his heritage and the extended family of eastern woodland tribes. He attended as many powwows as possible each season and was the founder of The Woodland Warriors, a drum group made up of brothers from many different tribal nations.
Derrin’s passions were many. He loved listening to music, riding his motorcycle, playing cards—especially Pitch (High, Low, Jack)—and online shopping for himself and his children. A true sports enthusiast, he enjoyed participating in fantasy football each fall and winter and spent his summers golfing, his favorite pastime. He was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers, known for greeting family after victories with a spirited “Bang Bang Niner Gang!” He also cheered proudly for the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics.
Professionally, Derrin dedicated many years to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, where he served in the Environmental Health Department, Public Relations, and TBAB. He later joined Foxwoods Resort Casino, where he worked as a Director of Player Development and ultimately as the Director of Casino Marketing.
Services will be held at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at the Fanning Road Cemetery. The family invites all attendees to join the repass at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center immediately following the burial.
Derrin’s presence, laughter, and love will live on forever through his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.