Derek A. Pope – Cochran Funeral

Derek Anthony Pope passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 21st, 2026 at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center. He was born in Newark, NJ on April 10, 1954 and was raised in “Do or Die Clyde Potts” Morristown, NJ, a distinction he would have wanted noted. He graduated from Morristown High School in 1972

Derek was an avid fan of sports, television, and music and spent his free time immersed in those pastimes. He volunteered coaching girls softball in Hackettstown for over a decade and was the PA announcer for the Rockaway Rockets youth football league for many years. He loved concerts, festivals, sporting events, and any place where large crowds gathered to relax and celebrate just being alive!

Derek was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Green, and his best friend, Larry Burdett.

He is survived by his wife Robin (nee Parry), and his daughter Shae Nicole, both of Hackettstown. Additionally he is survived by his sister Carolyn Joy (Derrick), his brothers; William Meyers, Curtis Green (Padminie), Paul Blake (Kelly), and Roland “Timmy” Green.

Extended loved ones include Carol Dunleavy, Jackie Dunleavy (Patrick McDonald), Lisa Ramsey, David Ramsey, Rosalyn Blake (Adam Rudolph), Anne Blake, Trevone Green, Tenisha Green, Kiya Clark, Olivia McDonald, James McDonald, all of his family in Liverpool, England, Tina and Billy and his Verona family, The ‘Tude, his Kelly Green Girls, and countless other friends whom he considered family.

In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/) or The V Foundation Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund – https://www.v.org/research/special-funds/stuart-scott-memorial-cancer-research-fund/

A visitation will take place on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Also, a Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date

For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com

9 Condolences for Derek A. Pope

Condolences(9)

Bernie Peters says

July 24, 2026 at 2:25 am

Derek and I grew up together playing basketball at the Nabe in Morristown. He was a Celtic and I was a Laker! We always talked sports or about life. It was great to see him at our 50th MHS Reunion! He was kind enough to wish me a Happy Birthday on July 17, 2026.He was truly one of a kind who would do anything for you. I shall miss him dearly. Rest easy my brother! My deepest condolences to his family. May his perpetual light shine down upon all of us!

Pam Nixon-Brillon says

July 24, 2026 at 5:07 am

Robin, Shea, Caroline and all of Derek’s family, as a fellow MHS Class of ‘72 member I am beyond saddened to learn of his passing. His love for all of his immediate and extended family members and friends was always front and center! I will miss his humor his timely posts and his amazing sparkle. My wish for you is that all of your memories soon take away your tears and his love carries you through the days ahead. God Speed Derek. The world has truly lost a beautiful person.

JoAnn Kersey Gordon says

July 24, 2026 at 10:30 am

My deepest condolences to the family.

Donna Tamburri says

July 24, 2026 at 10:40 am

Robin and Shae
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. May he Rest In Eternal Peace.

Suzanne Korn says

July 24, 2026 at 1:47 pm

Dearest Robin and Family,

My deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband, father and loved one. I am so sorry.

Samuel West says

July 24, 2026 at 9:35 pm

My deepest condolences to the family. Pope was my basketball coach at the Neighborhood House back in the day. He called me Dr. West. Pope was one of the nicest people that I know. People tell me all of the time that I’m a nice person etc. I’m the person today because of people like Pope who would think outside of the box to make sure you were acknowledged.

Bruce Smith says

July 25, 2026 at 7:54 pm

I worked at Crum & Forster where Derek and Robin worked. I also got to play on some great C & F softball teams of which Derek was a teammate. He was inspirational in his enthusiasm for the games and always was upbeat. I would often run in to Derek and Robin in Hackettstown where I lived for 37 years, he always had that infectious smile. Wishing the family deepest condolences, He was one of a kind

Jan and Matty says

July 26, 2026 at 5:30 pm

Thinking of our cousins Robin and Shae at this very sad time.Sending you both all our love.
Wonderful memories of Derek, both in Liverpool, UK and in Hackettstown. Thank you for being you, such a lovely man ❤️ xxx

Jen and Larry Corby says

July 27, 2026 at 7:18 pm

I worked with Derek and he made the days so much better. His laugh was the best. We double dated with our spouses and we just laughed and had the best times. He was such a beautiful person. It was a blessing to of known him. Robin and Shae Larry and I are sending you love and prayers during this difficult time.

Derek A. Pope April 10, 1954 - July 21, 2026

Date of Funeral