Derek K. Gardner

Derek K. Gardner, 33, of Ringwood and Union City, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Derek was the beloved son of Laura DeVries and Don Gardner, and stepson of Paul DeVries. He graduated from Lakeland Regional High School, Class of 2010. He later pursued his creative interests through art classes in San Francisco and at Kingsborough Community College, where he earned Dean’s List honors.

Derek’s path was guided by passion, creativity, and determination. When he felt inspired by something, he pursued it wholeheartedly. He worked as a sous chef at M. Wells under renowned Chef Hugue Dufour, and later at 10DEEP and ic! Berlin—brands he genuinely loved. His talent and eye for storytelling through photography and videography led him to roles at DUGGAL Visual Solutions, BuzzFeed, Vice, and most recently WHEN Justice. When Derek set his sights on something, he made it happen.

Derek lived with a deep love for creativity and expression. He found joy in photography, videography, music—especially rap and hip-hop—and in constantly learning and exploring new ideas. He loved good food (especially his stepfather Paul’s cooking), travel, language, and culture, particularly his connection to Latino culture and his efforts to learn Spanish. He embraced life fully—whether skateboarding, snowboarding, hiking, camping, or simply exploring new places. He recently discovered a passion for furniture and interior design, always finding new ways to create beauty around him.

More than anything, Derek loved people. He loved his family and friends deeply and showed up for them with warmth, openness, and genuine care. Through his recovery journey, he found a wide and devoted community in New York City—friends who became like family. Their shared support, compassion, and understanding were a meaningful and cherished part of his life.

Derek believed in kindness and connection. Shortly before his passing, he shared that he wanted to “pass kindness forward” each day. One evening, noticing a young traveler who seemed lost and alone, Derek struck up a conversation, invited him in to charge his phone, and made sure he safely reached his destination. This simple but powerful act reflected who Derek was at his core—someone who saw people, cared deeply, and went out of his way to help others feel less alone.

Derek’s brother, Garrett, shared:
“If I could talk to you now, I would want to tell you not only how much I love and care about you. I would want to tell you how much I looked up to you, and how I will always continue to look up to you. You were, and always will be, my hero—even if you didn’t know it. I would want to tell you I’m sorry for so many things, and that you should be extremely proud of what you did with your short time with us. You were an incredible human being. I love you, Derek.”

His step-sister, Erin, shared:
“Derek was a kind soul, always warm and friendly, always caring and interested in others. He was a peaceful and loving presence who let creativity flow freely through him. He was a beautiful person.”

Even during difficult times, Derek remained thoughtful and reflective. In a conversation with family while navigating the challenges of Long Covid, he spoke about spirituality, meaning, and how people find strength. He approached life with curiosity, openness, and a desire to understand the bigger picture—always striving to live with intention.

Derek is survived by his mother, Laura DeVries; his brother, Garrett Gardner; his stepfather, Paul DeVries; his grandmother, Althea Gardner; his step-sisters Nicole (Jason) Heymer and Erin (James) Greenspan; his step-brother Alec (Chrissy) DeVries; his aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family; his stepmother, Carol Gardner; and his longtime partner and dear friend, Laura, with whom he shared many years of love, travel, and life.

He was predeceased by his father, Don Gardner; his uncles Kenny Gardner and Billy Perley; his cousin Patrick Pilger; and his dear friend Kyle Jascot. It brings comfort to his family to imagine him reunited with those who went before him, surrounded by love and peace.

Visiting hours are 4:00 to 8:00pm on Wednesday, March 25 at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ  07481.  The Funeral Mass is 11:15 am on Thurday, March 26 at the Church of the Presentation, 271 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ  07458.  Burial will follow at the Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah. 

In honor of Derek’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Caron Treatment Center/Catherine Caron Fund, designated for family education and support:
www.caron.org/donate/mission-fund.