Derrick Donaldson was born on April 30, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Ira Donaldson and Mary E. Jefferson. A Philadelphia man through and through, Derrick came up with a strong work ethic and an even stronger sense of loyalty to the people he loved.

Derrick spent most of his working life in construction — a trade that suited him well. He was a man who built things, who showed up, who put in the work without complaint. Whether on a job site or among family and friends, Derrick was someone others could count on. There is something fitting about a man who spent his life building lasting structures, because those who knew him know that his impact on their lives is just as enduring.

Derrick passed from this life on February 26, 2026, at the age of 67. He is greatly missed by his family and friends, who carry with them the memory of a hardworking, dependable, and deeply loved man.

He built more than structures — he built a life that mattered.