Joel Clarence Derby, 67, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Melbourne Florida.

Born in Wooster, Ohio, Joel made his home in Melbourne, Florida, where he served the community with dedication as a Firefighter Paramedic with the City of Melbourne for 24 years. Known for his courage, compassion, and quite strength, Joel was not only a creative spirit with a deep love for nature, storytelling and the ocean.

A lifelong surfer, Joel found peace and clarity in the rhythm of the waves. That same reverence for the natural world came through in his artwork.

Joel was an avid reader and a comic book enthusiast. He had a passion for stories of heroes, perhaps because he lived his life by those same values.

He is survived by his wife Angela Derby, four brothers, and three sisters. Joel was a devoted husband and best friend for 43 years. His presence brought calm, his laughter brought light, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the art he created and the stories he loved.

He will be missed deeply.