Dr. Jerold Alfred Derkaz

Dr Jerold Derkaz passed away on August 12, 2024. He was 67 years old. Born to Alfred and Marilyn Derkaz in Warwick, Rhode Island on December 7, 1956, Jerold graduated from Toll Gate High School and then Boston University. He then went on to complete his medical studies at the University of Vermont Medical School, and he moved to the Panhandle to begin his career in 1982. 

Dr Derkaz is known by countless people in the area for his over 40 years of taking great care of patients. He found great joy in serving his people. 

Along with being proud of his career, the birth of his son, Garrett, getting to watch Garrett grow into a man, a musician, and a father, and the birth of his grandson were definite highlights of Jerold’s life. He was also incredibly thankful to have met and proposed to Kimberly Smith in February of 2023. 

When he was not working, Jerold loved to travel. Block Island, Rhode Island and Abacos, Bahamas were a couple of his favorite places to visit. His loved ones get to treasure memories of sharing in his best-loved hobbies of sailing, traveling, and enjoying fancy restaurants.

Jerold will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His intelligence, sense of humor, and good heartedness made him easy to love. 

He is survived by his fiancé Kimberly Smith, son Garrett Derkaz (Alexina), and grandson Elliot Derkaz. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Marilyn Derkaz.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Kimberly Smith - PO Box 421 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435.  

A Celebration of Life for Dr. Jerold Derkaz will be Thursday, August 15, 2024 6:00 PM at McDonald Family Funeral Home, 668 Walton Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.