Thomas J. Derby Jr., 56, of Farmington, passed away peacefully, Saturday, May 29 with his family by his side. Tom was born in Takoma Park, MD, on November 11, 1953, the son of Thomas J. Derby Sr. of Camden, ME and the late Margaret "Peggy Anne" Breault Derby of Manchester, CT. Tom grew up in Manchester, graduated from St. James Elementary School and East Catholic High School, Class of '72. Tom enlisted in the US Navy, was stationed and honorably discharged from the Naval Air Facility, China Lake, CA. He earned an Associate's Degree in Commercial Photography from San Diego State Community College, returned to Hartford and established a commercial photography studio in the historic Colt Building. Respected and valued by colleagues and clients for his talent and personality, Tom earned several prestigious awards including: "Photographer of the Year" - The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts; "Gold Awards" - The Advertising Club of Connecticut; and "Finalist" from the Connecticut Art Directors Club. Tom Derby, truly a man for all seasons, pursued gardening, hiking, fishing, bird watching, boating, hockey and skiing. Tom was a self-taught gourmet chef, wine enthusiast, outdoorsman, motorcyclist, homebuilder, and woodworker. He generously entertained friends and family at the home he designed and built in Derby, VT. We share countless memories of Tommy's talents, humor, compassion and endearing companionship of Quassia, his beloved German shepherd. Tom, the oldest of nine children, is survived by four brothers and three sisters: Kevin and wife Noreen of Manchester; Susan and John Pouliot of Windsor; Dr. Mary Derby of Tucson AZ; Catherine Derby of Cincinnati OH; Patrick and wife Jennifer of East Windsor; Timothy and wife Rebecca of Ellington; and Michael and wife Cheryl of Marietta GA. His brother Brendan predeceased him. Tom is also survived by several nieces, nephews, a great niece and former wife Gina and her three children. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Thursday June 3 at St James Church 896 Main Street, Manchester. Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center Street, Manchester, on Wednesday from 6 - 8pm. The family would like to thank the staff of the ICU at UConn Medical Center for their wonderful care and compassion given to Tom and his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Bloomfield, CT. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.