Derek E. Metzler

Derek E. Metzler, a resident of Fitchburg, formerly of Lowell and Billerica, beloved husband of Danielle (Dubois) Metzler died unexpectedly on Monday, January 4, 2021 at the Bay State Medical Center in Springfield. He was 50.
 
Born in Lowell on November 13, 1970, he was a son of the late Warren Metzler and Geraldine (Watson) Metzler of Lowell, who survives him.
 
Derek graduated from the Greater Lowell Technical High School in 1988 and enlisted in the US Navy. While serving on the USS Independence, Derek worked on the flight deck and was part of the liberation of Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Derek began a working career which led him to the position of Custodial Supervisor for the Unitarian Universalist Association, a job where he made many lifelong friends.
 
Derek loved fishing whether it was on the Saco or deep sea, he always looked forward to going with Danielle even though as it turned out, she was the better fisherman. He enjoyed camping with family and friends, and will always be the King of Karaoke.
 
Derek will be remembered for his amazing sense of humor. He had some of the worst Dad jokes, but always had a way of uplifting spirits. Derek had the uncanny ability to light up a room and put smiles on everyone's face.
 
Derek was a loving son, amazing brother, incredible father, and was absolutely adored by his many nieces and nephews.  He will forever be remembered as "Uncle Derek" and "Uncle Freddy."

It did not matter if you were family, a friend, or someone he just met, he would always be willing to lend an ear, give out some advice, and make you smile.

Surviving Derek besides his mother and beloved wife of twenty years Danielle, are two sons, Padriag Riggan of FL, Christian Roscoe and his partner Amber Ouellette of Hudson, NH; his siblings and their spouses, Karen Brunelle of Fitchburg, Theresa and Gary Nalen of Derry, NH, Steven and Patti Metzler of Lowell, Linda and Gil Gutierrez of Lowell, Mark and Diane Metzler of Dracut, Donna and Kevin Benoit of Dracut; his father in law and mother in law Roger and Ruth Dubois of Lowell; sisters in law and brothers in law, Michelle and Robert Dalton of Andover, Andre and Donna Dubois of Wilton, NH; many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Derek was the father of the late Nathan Metzler, Gracie Metzler, and brother of the late Robert Brunelle.
 
Relatives and Friends are invited to Derek's Life Celebration at the McKenna-Ouellette Funeral Home, 327 Hildreth Street, from 2 until 6 PM on Sunday. His funeral services will be private.