Derek Paul Hunsberger of West Deptford, New Jersey, passed away on October 18th, 2024 at the age of 54. 

Born to the late Ralph and Karen (nee Bengel) Hunsberger on April 22nd, 1970, in Woodbury, NJ. Derek is the beloved older brother of Heather (Antonio) Stith, and adoring nephew of Blanche (Bob),Anne Hunsberger , and Nanette (Fred), as well as many cousins. Growing up,  Derek attended East Greenwich Elementary School and Kingsway High School as graduating class of 1988. When Derek and Heather were kids, they grew up playing on their great-grandparents' farm. They loved running outside, going to concerts such as Van Halen, Billy Joel, Def Leppard and Journey, and genuinely enjoyed each other's company.  

Derek loved to be outside, he played soccer, baseball, basketball,  Ball hockey, and tennis, even continuing them into his adult life as a Player and Captain for many Ball hockey teams. When that career ended, he became an inspiring Ball hockey coach for many kids in West Deptford Street Hockey Organization. Derek also had a love for watching UFC fights and talking extensively about all aspects of various sports from women's track & field to fencing. If there was a topic to discuss, Derek knew all about it. He loved listening to Howard Stern and making lists. He  loved to keep his mind sharp by reading about various topics. He also ran for Congress in 1998 on a Zero budget.  His hunger for knowledge led him to attending now Rowan University for his Bachelor's Degree, to University of Pennsylvania for his Master's Degree, to finishing with his PhD from Thomas Jefferson University. His work family was very important to him his many years at Rowan and at Penn created special bonds that were more than co-workers. You were his family, and he cherished this bond.    

Heather gave Derek the greatest gift he could've asked for, the family. Her husband Antonio (Big Tony) and his cherished nieces and nephew,  Maya, Hannah-Loren, Faith-Noelle, and Antonio (Lil Tony) . Derek loved being their uncle, he loved spending time with them and attended every single school event or sporting event, even denting his beloved truck to get to Hannah's first Lacrosse game in the process. Faith found tennis, they chatted about the US Open. Lil Tony had his heart, his little legacy #32.   While Derek had a quiet, reserved personality, being around the kids really brought him out of his shell. He even coached his nephew's Ball hockey team. His family recalls memories of how much Derek loved coaching. He inspired young kids to be the best that they could be, guided them to working as a team, and encouraged them to victory after victory. When Derek was not coaching, he often would be with his dear friends John Walker and Timmy Broger going to concerts or watching the Eagles game every Sunday.  He loved Timmy's kids Amber (Eli), Colleen, and Demi. Special friends: Kenny, Sara and Chip, Tom, Bill......the list could go on and on.  He was a great friend and listener with an even better laugh.    

Derek will be missed deeply by many loving friends and family for his dry humor, reserved personality, and his heart of gold.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Derek's Celebration of Life hosted at West Deptford Street Hockey Rinks located at 270 Eagle Point Rd, West Deptford, NJ 08086. There are no sticks required, casual attire is encouraged.