Derek W. Smith

Derek W. Smith of Rockford, age 53, unexpectedly left this world far too early on January 28, 2025. He was born in Joliet, IL on February 23, 1971 to his parents William C. Smith and Sandra M. Smith (nee Ivanich).

Derek was a member of the graduating class of 1989 at Lemont Township High School before going on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree with a double major in English and Journalism from Marquette University in Wisconsin. Derek was a brilliant writer, and utilized his gift for communication in his career as a Public Relations and Marketing Specialist as well as working as a freelance journalist. His love for stories and storytellers alike led to him building a large private collection of many different genres of literature. He always enjoyed being outdoors, and his high level of intelligence and thirst for knowledge drove his love of all things related to science, but especially his interest in archeology and the vast unknowns of space. His love for animals and all living things was clear to anyone who knew him, and he provided the utmost quality of care to his five cats during his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his father William and his sibling Stephen W. Smith in infancy.

Derek is survived by his dear mother Sandra; his brothers William T. Smith and Jason W. (Jessica) Smith; his nieces Samantha L. Smith and Rebecca M. Smith; his nephews Charles W. Smith and Elijah S. Smith; extended family members, dear friends, and other loved ones also survive.

Per Derek’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and his family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Gathering in his honor in the near future. Derek’s cremated remains, along with his father’s, will be inurned at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 1500 N. Raynor Ave., Joliet, IL at a later date.