Deceased December 3, 2020
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In Memory
Jeff Derge passed away late last year. He came to Amherst from Aspinwall High School in Pittsburgh. After graduating cum laude in chemistry, Jeff went on to get his Ph.D. at Duke University. He joined the National Cancer Institute, where he managed special projects, including AIDS research, and worked with several human genomics projects, including the Cancer Genome Atlas. He retired in 2007.
Jeff's family was always his focus, and he spent many years working in leadership in the Boy Scouts. The Derges owned a Delaware beach house, where Jeff could fix anything. He was also known as “Chef Jeff” for his culinary skills. In retirement, Jeff and wife Dorrie enjoyed numerous cruises on smaller lines—no Carnival Cruises for Jeff! They moved to State College, Pa., to be close to their grandchildren and enjoy hiking the area, as well as at numerous national parks, often with their beloved dogs. He expanded his basketball favorites from Duke to Penn State in salute to the new surroundings.
Jeff is survived by Dorrie and by his two children, Gillmer and Katharine, as well as grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is remembered by his classmates as quiet but sociable and, above all, a dedicated student who became a most useful scientist.
Paul Ehrmann ’65