Elliott Michael Dernback

Elliott Michael Dernback passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ. He was 78 years old. Elliott, a son to the late Barbara (Dezelich) and Elliott Dernback, was born and raised in Staten Island, NY on June 19, 1943. He later built a life in Jersey City before finally settling in Warren 21 years ago. He was a well-respected and active member in all of the communities he set foot in, exhibiting leadership and expounding wisdom. Elliott was a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the United States Marine Corp, and was decorated with two Purple Hearts. After returning home, he earned a Masters in Business Administration from Kean University. A dedicated citizen, Elliott worked as a high school physical education teacher, later serving as an assistant principal, for 50 years, while also involving himself in multiple businesses before retiring. Although retired, Elliott never rested. He was a competent businessman, an excellent cook, a master landscaper, a believer in his faith, and a fighter against sickness. He was all of these until the very end. He was predeceased by his step-son Engel Engalla, his sister Monica, his brother Thomas, and sister-in-law Carol. He is survived by his wife, Violet (Bacani) Dernback, his three step-sons: Edsel Engalla, Elmer Engalla and his wife Cindy, and Ellery Engalla; his brother, James Dernback and his sisters: Paula Kelley, Eileen Dernback and Jeanne Dernback; and by his eight grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, October 8, 2021 from 5-8 p.m. at the Valley Memorial Funeral Home, located on 1012 Valley Rd., Gillette, NJ. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 9:00 AM at The Shrine of St. Joseph, located on 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ. Cremation will follow at Somerset Hills Crematory in Basking Ridge, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to The Shrine of St. Joseph or the American Heart Association. For more information and online condolences, please visit valleymemorialfuneralhome.net. A Virtual visitation will be held at: Topic: Virtual Visitation for Elliott Michael Dernback Time: Oct 8, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Meeting ID: 814 3492 8726 Passcode: 519578