Obituary of Derek J. VanLoon

Derek J VanLoon, 48 of Cicero NY passed away February 20, 2018 at the Cleveland Clinic following a long illness. Derek was a beloved husband, son, brother and uncle.

He was born October 14, 1969 in Rochester, NY to Rita (Wachter) and John Van Loon. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Derek was a talented artist and worked for many years at Integrated Marketing Services as a senior art director. He loved life, his family and friends. His positive attitude and sense of humor along with his kind nature defined his character. Derek enjoyed sports, movies, visiting the Adirondacks and was a dog rescue advocate.

He is survived by his loving wife, Laurel VanLoon, his parents, Rita and Glenn Wachter, Mary and John VanLoon; mother and father in law Donna and Jack Hamel; sisters, Elizabeth (Gabe) Speranza, Andrea (John) Gits; brother, Michael Jacula; brother in law, Greg Hamel; grandparent, Helen Wachter, four nieces and a nephew.

Derek's family would like to thank the staff at the Cleveland Clinic for their wonderful care and for making Derek and Laurel a part of their family for the last year. The kindness and compassion of Derek's caregivers was exceptional.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to an animal rescue or veterans charity of your choice. Friends are invited to attend his Memorial Mass, Thursday, March 15, at 11:00am at St. Kateri Parish at St Cecilia Church, 2732 Culver Road, Rochester NY 14622.