Derek Saldivar was born June 4th, 1959 to Philip (deceased) and Marie Saldivar, in the country of Belize, formerly British Honduras in Central America.
He attended Grace Primary School where he excelled in the Arts, winning prizes at the National Festival of Arts for best play and best actor.
The family emigrated to the United States in 1973 and Derek attended Evander Childs High School in the Bronx where he won a Regents Scholarship to attend City University of New York as an Arts major.
Derek worked at several jobs until he joined the Navy. After his tenure in the Navy he started having medical problems, yet he persevered by involving himself at Van Nest Assembly of God where Rev. Hernquist was his mentor and where he got baptized. He also participated in the street ministry of Everlasting Church, specifically their “basket of blessings” outreach to the community. Pastor Jordan Saucedo visited Derek during his illness and was a great source of comfort to him.
The staff and friends at Riverdale Community Services, Beacon of Hope, The Lantern House and The Bridge all played a large part in Derek’s life.
Finally, Derek lost his struggle with his illness quietly and peacefully at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx, on Dec. 30th, 2021.
He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Marie Saldivar; sisters Mrs. Charlene White (Luther Jr.), Mrs. Phillippa Tillett (Murvin), Ms. Marjorie Saldivar (Arcadio); brothers David, Philip Jr., Andrew, Jonathan (Alyssa), and Marc-John; numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and other relatives and friends in Belize, the United States and elsewhere.
Visiting will be Sunday from 4-6pm at Joseph A. Lucchese Funeral Home, 726 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Family and friends wishing to attend the visitation virtually may do so by clicking the following link at any time during the visiting hours Saldivar Visitation
Condolences to your family, my friend. Cherish the memories of his life & loves, my dear. Blessings! ❤️
My sincere condolences to the Saldivar family .
Will never forget his beautiful smile .
Condolences to family.
Psalm 46.1
Condolences to the family
Today my heart goes out to the Saldivar family. You have been my friends since I met the Lord. My life has been enriched by your kindness and love toward me. I am ever so grateful to each one of you. You showed me what a christian family should be like, and inspired me to do my best in serving the Lord at a young age. Now I am saddened by the passing of your precious son, and brother, Derek . The joy however, comes from the fact that he is with the Lord, out of all his pain.
Derek lived a rich life, and from Phillippa sharing about him at Bible Study, I can see that even though he led a quiet life, his works of kindness echoed loudly in heaven where he laid up his treasures. Now he hears, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”
Matthew 25:40
May God continue to bless you and give you peace. Love and blessings overflowing to all of you, my friends.
My sincerest condolences to the Saldivar family.
My heartfelt condolences to the Saldivar family.
I shall truly miss you my friend.
To Ms. Marie and all the family. We celebrate the life of Derek with you today. We do not sorrow as those with no hope as we know that Derek is present with our Lord and Savior and look forward when we will all be re-united again. I pray that the Lord will comfort each of you and give His peace. Derek’s memory will forever be in his friends, acquaintance and those of us who feel a part of your family. Much love,
Sharon Locke-Henry
Dear Miss Marie, Charlene, Philippa, David, Marjorie, Danny, Andy, Johnathan, JonMark, and all the extended family:
Please accept our deepest condolences on Derek’s earthly departure. We look forward to seeing him in heaven one day!
May the Lord’s grace be multiplied unto you and may He comfort you in this sad time.
With loads of love,
Sheryl Clark (nee Locke) and Phil, Sarah and Mary (John & Emily also)
Our love and prayers are extended to Phillippa and Mrs. Marie on the loss of your dear brother and son. The Ladies Bible Study Group in Los Angeles are praying that the God of all comfort wrap His tender arms around you at this difficult time. It’s encouraging to know that Derek is at home and at peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Consequently, we do not mourn as those who have no hope. You will meet again. In the interim, lean on the strong everlasting arms!
My heart goes out to the Saldivar family at this time. There are so many precious memories to treasure in rememberance of Derek! He was indeed an extraordinary man! It was a blessing and a privilege to have known this family over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I came across this page I was always wondering what happen to my first love Derek Saldivar . I can not believe I find him as being gone to heaven I wish I knew but all I have is memories of him. I am hoping to find where his grave is so I can visit him . He will always be in my heart.