Derek Charles Carissimi was born on April 12, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan to Charles Carissimi and Linda Digaetano Carissimi. Derek grew up in a suburb of Detroit where he attended grade school through high school and then attended Michigan State University where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree.
Derek was a proud member of the Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band. His time on the drumline was one of the greatest times in his life. After college, he took his family back to watch the Spartan Marching Band on football weekends whenever he could. Derek’s passion for drumming continued his entire lifetime.
While at Michigan State, Derek met the lovely Jill (McKinney) Carissimi and the two were married in 1976. Their daughters, Courtney and Casey, were their pride and joy. After 25 years, Derek and Jill parted ways, but remained close as they participated heavily in their children’s and eventually, grandchildren’s lives.
Derek had a long career as a hospital administrator. His human resources role moved him and his family throughout the country. He worked for health systems in Michigan, Indiana, Georgia, Idaho and Oregon. Derek lived to work and was well-respected throughout his career. He retired in 2015 and found many new passions to fill his time.
During retirement, Derek discovered his love of pickle ball, yoga and Pilates. He also had the opportunity to join The Beat Goes On Marching Band in Portland where once again, he could immerse himself in drumming and marching. He loved participating in local events with the band in addition to traveling throughout the region for parades, festivals and other special events.
Derek met Lisa Hamilton in his later years and the two shared countless adventures and fun times. There was a lot of love and laughter in their relationship. During this time, Derek also got his beloved dog, Diesel. The two were inseparable and anyone who knew Derek, knew Diesel. (Or they knew Diesel and “her owner.”)
Derek is survived by his daughters, Courtney Christenson (Adam Christenson) and Casey Carissimi (Drew Wollam); grandchildren, Austin, Emily, Adri and Lexi of Boise, Idaho; and sister, Denise Coburn (John Coburn) of Peoria, Arizona.
Derek is preceded in death by his mother, Linda Carissimi; and father, Charles Carissimi.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 11:00 am at Bowman Funeral Parlor located at 10254 W. Carlton Bay Garden City, Idaho 83714.