HAROLD "Hal" DERDERIAN

Harold “Hal” Derderian, age 86, passed away on July 5th, 2023.

Harold was born on June 10th, 1937, to Atanas and Armen Derderian in Detroit, MI.  After graduation from Chadsey High School, Harold enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in reconnaissance in the Pacific, notably in Japan and the Philippines.  When he returned to the States, Harold pursued stage acting in Manhattan, where he developed a life-long love for the city.  When he returned to Michigan, after his father’s passing, Harold began his academic career at Wayne State University.  He studied the Humanities at Wayne State and Eastern Michigan Universities and received multiple graduate degrees. It was during this time that he was married to Theresa Derderian. 

Harold and Terri started their family in Detroit before moving to Livonia, Mi:  Allison Callender, Thomas Derderian, and James (Theresa Gallavan) Derderian.  Harold began his teaching career at Fordson High School in Dearborn, Michigan, where he was the head of the English Department and the lead negotiator for the Dearborn Federation of Teachers.  Harold concluded his career as a professor at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Mi.

Harold cherished his 4 grandchildren: Julia Callender, George Callender, Oliver Derderian, and Gordon Derderian

Harold will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and for captivating listeners with his oration.  He intensely pursued literature, philosophy, art, music, poetry, gardening and cooking and was an avid fan of cinema, boxing, and basketball.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:

Under the care of Simon Javizian Funeral Directors, cremation took place.  On Monday, August 14, 2023 at 10:00AM, interment will be with his father, mother and beloved aunt, Ardem Hovagimian, in the family plot at Woodmere Cemetery, 9400 W. Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209. The U.S. Marines Military Honors Team will officiate.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be sent in Harold’s memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

CONDOLENCES

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