Derek John Foderaro

derek foderaro

January 5, 1992 ~ January 18, 2025

Born in: Evanston, Illinois
Resided in: Nashville, Tennessee

Derek John Foderaro, 33, passed away at his home on Saturday, January 18, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. He leaves behind his devoted and loving parents, Kerry John Foderaro (Angela Lum) and Marni Hill Foderaro (Rick Rashman), his cherished sister, Taylor Hill Foderaro and his caring grandparents, Forest Hansen and Valerie Lemont. Derek is also fondly remembered by many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Derek was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Frank John Foderaro, Dolores Gina Foderaro and Elizabeth Hansen, as well as special relatives and friends.

Born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Derek was a gentle, kind, and athletic spirit who loved the outdoors. He was a passionate arborist, and his adult life led him to adventurous experiences in Colorado, Washington, Oklahoma, Florida and Tennessee.

A private Catholic funeral service will be held in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. In lieu of flowers, gifts or donations, Derek’s family requests that a random act of kindness be passed on to a stranger.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955.

 

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  1. Our deepest condolences to Marni, Kerry & Taylor and the extended family members. My heart breaks for all of you. May you be comforted by memories of Derek at this very difficult time! Our prayers & deepest sympathy to all! 💔🙏
    May Derek R.I.P. 🙏

  2. We are sending you love and strength as you navigate this unimaginable loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  3. To the entire Foderaro family,
    I am at a loss for words… I truly am. Derek was one of the most important baseball players in my time as the Legion coach. We had such an amazing time and I truly believe he helped save Barrington American Legion baseball. His passion, dedication, and desire to be the very best he could be was, and will continue to be, an inspiration for us all. I vividly remember #8. I will always see him in that light… a stud baseball player who gave his all to each and every one of his teammates. May God shine on him and your family at this time. If I can do anything please reach out.

  4. My family and I send our deepest condolences to the Foderaros. Derek was a role model to me through my baseball years – he had an infectious spirit and nobody played harder (as evidenced by how dirty his pants were at the end of every game).

    He was a fierce competitor and he brought out the best in everyone. As a younger kid playing with the “big kids,” he always made me feel included and was quick with a laugh and smile. He’ll be sorely missed and always remembered.

  5. Derek & I had a wonderful time together & I will always be blessed with the wonderful things he taught me, the adventures we took, & how full of life he truly was. I always tried to love him through his mental health struggles, but it never seemed to be what he needed. I wish he could have found all he was seeking here on earth, but hoping he has found his peace & that the family may find theirs. Will also be planting a tree for the number one tree guy out there 💚🌲

  6. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Foderaro,
    it is with deep sadness that Derek is no longer with us. I will always cherish all the memories we shared growing up as neighbors and playing so many sports together. Everyone from the Cazzetta family sends our deepest condolences to each and every single one of you!

    Will always miss and cherish you, Derek!

  7. Very sad to read about this. Derek was part of the WR core on the BHS varsity football team – Coach Roberts called us the Raiders. Will always remember his great personality and athleticism – #14! I always looked forward to DFods brightening my day – we spent a lot of time together over the years between sports and hanging out.

    I kept in touch with Derek through the years. Sent him a letter a while back to reconnect. One of our last touch points he shared with me a recap photo collage of his 2023. I told him it looked like it was an exciting happy year – he just moved to Nashville and we had plans to meet up next time I was out that way. Unfortunately we didn’t get to.

    Fallen Raider – Dfods – you will be missed brother.

  8. To the Foderaro family, my condolences go out to you. Derek was such a sweet soul. He will be deeply missed. I hope he’s enjoying trees and climbing away. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

  9. Dear Foderaro family,
    Words cannot express how sorry we are in hearing about the loss of Derek. We will always remember and cherish our memories of Derek; getting to know him during the Barrington Baseball years, his great smile & spirit, hanging out with our kids talking and laughing and more. May God comfort you all at this time. Our prayers are with you.
    Love, the Gray family

  10. I’ll never forget Derek. Not only a great athlete but a better human! Baseball fam stick together, we love you D and will miss ya! 🙏🏻 to family and friends!

  11. This is heartbreaking. Derek was a delight to teach, always bringing a sparkle to my classes. My deepest sympathies to the entire Foderaro family. God bless.

  12. I met Derek on the first day of sophomore year of college. We were both transfer athletes at a university in Colorado and had accounting class together. He was my first new friend in CO and the only person I felt comfortable being my true self around. We spent a lot of time together that semester running around outdoors, listening to music, and watching silly shows for hours. Our paths took us in different directions that following spring but we remained friends over the years. A few noteworthy things about him that I’d like to share: he was accepting of everybody and willing to befriend anyone. He was inclusive and kind. He wasn’t judgmental in the least and genuinely cared for people. I believe that his personal internal battles, though heartbreaking, gave him a beautiful, rare quality of being able to truly empathize with others and seek connection. Derek loved music, he loved to sing and often quoted song lyrics. He was extremely talented at everything I personally saw him attempt: baseball, rock climbing, slack lining to name a few. He was daring and pushed the limits. He was not concerned with material possessions and wanted to live a simple but fulfilling life. He told me multiple times that love itself was the only truly important thing. He was a genuine friend to me and was constantly reminding me that I was beautiful, talented, intelligent, and special. I am heartbroken that he felt such deep pain but also relieved that his soul is now at peace. I hope mine one day reconnects with his. Sending his parents the biggest hug.

  13. When Derek was little, he and Taylor went swimming with my youngest daughter Jamie while I sat on the sideline visiting with his mom (she and I were in high school together). My heart goes out to all that loved Derek. May he always live on in spirit.

  14. To the Foderaro family,

    I am deeply saddened to hear of Derek’s passing. I will always remember him as a great teammate, competitor, leader, mentor, friend, and champion; A legend of BHS baseball and Post 158. I will always remember fondly all the years we shared together in baseball and will deeply miss you #8. God bless you and your family.

    Chris Holke


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