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Rev. Joseph F. Derby, O.S.A. (1909-1970)

Rev. Joseph F. Derby, O.S.A. entered eternal life May 29, 1970.

Joseph Francis Derby was born October 29, 1909 in Lawrence, Massachusetts to John and Balbina (Bastian) Derby. He was Baptized November 3, 1909 at Assumption Catholic Church, Lawrence. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 3, 1924 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Lawrence.

After completing two years of studies at Lawrence High School, Lawrence, he entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, which granted him a high school diploma in 1928. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1928. He professed vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1928.

He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1933. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D. C. He was ordained a Priest June 9, 1936. He earned a B. S. in Library Science from Villanova College in 1944, and M. S. in Library Science from Rosary College, River Forest, Illinois, in 1954, and an M. Ed. from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, in 1959.

Father Derby was assigned in 1937 to Cascia Hall School, Tulsa, Oklahoma, as Teacher and Librarian. He was transferred to St. Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois, in 1942. He was assigned in 1944 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, as Librarian.

He served as Teacher and Librarian at St. Rita until the time of his death. He also taught Library Science during Summer sessions at Villanova College.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.