Robert M. “Bob” Derba, 86, of Boynton Beach, FL., affectionately known as “The Chief,” passed away suddenly on April 8, 2026. Born June 20, 1939, in Brookline, Mass., he was the son of the late Peter and Florence (Walsh) Derba.
Bob graduated from Matignon HS ‘57 and Boston College ‘61 and was a proud member of the Army ROTC program. A lifelong musician, he played saxophone with his brother in the Peter Derba Orchestra and was widely known for his larger than life personality. Bob enjoyed a successful career including President and Partner of Roth Young Personnel, Co-owner of the Towne Lyne House, Lynnfield, President of LTS Leaderboard Boston North and President of Derba and Derba Executive Search. He was an avid golfer, a longtime member of Salem Country Club and Quail Ridge and was the Co-Founder of the Black Rum Golf Association. Above all, he loved all of his family was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Patricia A. Derba; his son Robert M. Derba II, his wife Meredith, and grandson River J. Derba of Pasadena, California; and his son Matthew Patrick Derba, his wife Sarah, and grandson Matthew P. Derba II of Los Angeles, California. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Derba Fries of Florida.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to visit with the family in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford on Monday, April 20th from 5-8PM, and again on Tuesday, April 21st at 9AM, followed by a funeral mass in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford at 10AM.
Services will conclude with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.