George Derby, 81, of Geneva, died on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
George found his life's work in the classroom. For thirtyfour years, Mr. Derby taught mathematics at Waterloo High School, and he never treated it as merely a job. He wanted his students to be curious, critical thinkers. He wanted them to appreciate the applications of mathematics as much as he did.
To his students and friends he was Derbs — a free spirit, entirely his own man: outgoing, passionate and unique. He had opinions and he did not keep them a secret, and he wanted to be right. Often enough, he was.
He married Georgia Mastrodonato in 1966, and she remained his favorite company for 60 years of marriage. He called her Sparky, and being with her was his favorite place in the world. Together they took more than sixty cruises. Together they made pasta sauce from fresh tomatoes and enjoyed sharing it with friends and family.
He loved his family quantitatively, qualitatively, and exponentially. He was a devoted father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a husband who never once ran out of loving things to say about his wife.
He was happiest outdoors and in motion. He danced and he sang. He sailed, he camped, he golfed, and he played tennis. He loved the theater — being on stage, in the audience, and behind the scenes.
He loved mowing his lawn riding upon his beloved John Deere tractor. He was passionate about clean windows and he kept them that way. He loved music, books, sudoku, word games, and Pictionary, and he was never far from his iPad trading stocks.
He was a man who paid attention to the world: to flowers, trees, and Seneca Lake, to being kind to people in small ways, and to the neighborhood dogs he handed treats to from his garage.
Remembering others from the community
His faith was quiet and private, but every Sunday he was found in church beside Georgia.
He is survived by his wife, Georgia Derby; his children, Michael Derby and Michelle Derby; four grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the PalmisanoMull Funeral Home, 28 Genesee Street, Geneva.
A Celebration of Life will follow on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church, 130 Exchange Street, Geneva.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Peter's Arts Academy.
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