QUEENSBURY/ FLORIDA -- Neil Joseph Derry, 95, of Sweet Road, Queensbury, NY passed away, Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, in Titusville, Florida, where he was staying with his son Martin.

Born Feb. 5, 1920 in Burlington, Vermont, he was the son of the late William and Rose Alba (Vincent) Derry.

He attended and graduated from Burlington High School, Class of 1939.

On April 17, 1940, Neil met Dorothy Nichols through her brother on a rainy night at a North Creek square dance, and five months later, the young couple was united in marriage on Sept. 1, 1941, at St. Mary's Parrish House by the Rev. Frank Ryan.

Neil served his country in the United States Army during World War II from October of 1943, being honorably discharged March of 1946.

For many years Neil worked hard in the Warren County Municipal Center so that he could take care of his family and allow his wife to stay home and nurture their family.

Neil enjoyed going on trips with Dorothy in his spare time, often with other couples. He also did a lot of woodworking, creating beautiful furniture for many people. Neil was noted for his incredible skill in all things mechanical and his expertise as a builder, as well as for his integrity, his generosity, and his dry sense of humor.

A devoted husband, Neil built a swimming pool for his wife, by himself, and took care of Dorothy at home until her final day, March 4, 2007. For the 65 years of their marriage, they never raised their voices at one another, getting along inseparably well, including Dorothy oftentimes accompanying Neil to work, just to be with him. Neighbors would call, worried if they saw Neil drive up the road without her in the vehicle. This 65-year-old commitment "came easy" and will be remembered as a beautiful love story.

For the last few years, Neil has split his time between his home in Queensbury and long winter visits to Florida.

Neil was a lifelong devout Catholic, and has been a member of Our Lady of the Annunciation parish in Queensbury since it was established.

Along with his loving wife, his dearest daughter, Valerie Derry, who passed away suddenly from health complications at 18 years old in 1961, predeceased Neil.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons, Martin "Marty" Derry and Gregory "Greg" Derry, and their families, including two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Marty and his wife, Suparp "Pop," live in Titusville, Florida, and their son, Martin Jr. lives with his wife, Ny, with their daughters, Lotus and Iris, in the Detroit, Michigan area. Greg and his wife Paula live in the Baltimore, Maryland area, as does their daughter, Rebecca "Becca" Derry. Neil is also survived by his sister, Arlene Nichols, who lives in Queensbury.

Calling hours will be held Friday, Feb. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury.

Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m., at the funeral home, with the Rev. Joseph Anselment, retired pastor, officiating.

Burial will take place Wednesday, May 6, at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Cemetery, South Glens Falls.

Condolences and floral bouquets may be sent directly to the funeral home or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.