OBITUARY: Derek James Sullivan, 37

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Derek J. Sullivan, age 37, of Derry, NH, formerly a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away on March 29, 2026.

Derek was born on June 7, 1988, in Newton, MA; he was the loving son of Cheryl Ann (Rego) Sullivan and the late John Leo Sullivan. He was raised in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School in 2006.

Shortly after graduating, Derek began his career with the Pipefitters Union 537. He was most recently employed at Duggan Mechanical in Canton. Derek truly loved his work and the people he worked with. He spent much of his career working on commercial buildings in Boston and was highly skilled and dedicated to his trade.

Derek met Cortney (Atkins), and the two quickly became inseparable. They shared ten years together before recently marrying. They lived in several places before settling in Derry, NH, where they built a home filled with love and laughter for their children. Derek was known as a “fun Dad” who enjoyed playing games, making breakfast in the morning, and taking spontaneous trips to Wal-Mart to buy snacks and toys for the kids and their friends.

In his spare time, Derek enjoyed fixing things around the house. A talented handyman, he could repair just about anything. He also had a lifelong love of sports and, in his younger years, especially enjoyed playing hockey and being coached by his father.

Derek will be remembered as kind, loving, and devoted to his family. He was most proud of his role as a husband and father and cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.

Derek was the beloved husband of Cortney (Atkins) Sullivan; loving Dad of Dario, Giuliana, and Mia; cherished son of Cheryl A. Sullivan of Wilmington and the late John L. Sullivan; dear brother of Ashley LeBlanc & her husband Scott of Pelham, NH, Christie Lutz & her husband Clinton, and Jenna Garrity & her husband Cameron, all of Wilmington; and proud uncle of Nora, Tristan, Brynn, William, Mila, Charlotte and Riley. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and his extended Atkins/Berry family.

Family and friends will gather for visitation at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Avenue (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, April 6th, from 4:00–8:00 p.m.

Memorial donations in Derek’s name may be made to “Helmets to Hardhats”, CMRAVE, Attn: Chanelle Simms, 815 16th Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20006. https://helmetstohardhats.org/make-a-donation-online/.