Walter Derkacz Obituary Walter Derkacz, of Tel Hai retirement community in Honey Brook, PA went home to be with the Lord on Friday, 1/28. Walt was the husband of Virginia Shelton Derkacz with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. He was born in Palmerton, PA on 5/3/1928 to Andrew and Anna Derkacz. As a youth he was active in athletics having played football, basketball and track. In 1951, he graduated from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College with a degree in Science and was employed by Bethlehem Steel Company as a QC Inspector. After that he got his masters from Lehigh University in teaching and accepted his first teaching position in MO where he met Virginia. Walter was anxious to make some education changes and accepted a position as Assistant Principal of Stetson Middle School in West Chester, PA and then moved on to Principal for the next ten years. During this time he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania in the Doctoral program and was approved as an adjunct professor in the Educations Administrative Program. He was appointed as a member of the West Chester School Boards Teacher Negotiating Team, served as President for the Chester County Principals Association for 5 years and served as West Chesters School Board as Educational Liaison to the Governor. Walter also served as Principal to both Pierce and Fugett Middle Schools for 11 years which at that point moved to Henderson Senior High School as Principal until his retirement in 1986. Walter was a passionate skier and volunteered much of his retirement associated with the PA Junior Racing Program serving as a speed expert for racing in PA along with his specialization in rule interpretations, timing and calculations. Walt was also an enthusiastic sail and power boater in the Chesapeake Bay where he and his family spent many of their summers. He loved watching Penn State Football, drinking Yuengling beer and skiing. Walter is survived by his son Jay Derkacz and wife Cindy Chen Derkacz and grandson Matthew Derkacz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Chester School Board-General Fund. A celebration of Walters life will be held at Tel Hai Retirement Community in the Stone Craft building on Tuesday, 2/1 at 1:30 ES. You can also join on ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88963399416?pwd=L01QOG9kaE1oNWlMYStRQm9CUFlvZz09 Services Private Service