This February marked the 50th anniversary of Derman Funeral Home.
Originally Johnson Funeral Home, the business was started in 1955 by Gene A. and Caralyn Johnson.
Mr. Johnson came to Tyrone from Lock Haven in 1955. His twin brother Gerald D. Johnson operated Johnson Funeral Home in Bellwood from 1962 to 1989.
The building, which was originally a private home, was built in 1894. The brickwork was done by the Kilmartin family and is the same as that on the Catholic church. The two were built around the same time period. The brickwork was laid with bread and butter joints and the front door displays the original glasswork.
The first addition to the funeral home, added onto the back of the building, was made in 1958.
Mr. Johnson operated the funeral home from 1955 until his retirement in 1977, when he and his wife moved to Florida. The Johnsons stayed in Florida from 1978 through 1989. Upon their return, Mr. Johnson served two terms as Mayor, lasting from 1989 until 1998.
The couple currently resides in Tyrone.
In August 1958, current owner, Larrie Derman began working with the Johnsons. He worked on and off at the funeral home while attending school, until he became licensed in 1962.
Derman graduated from Tyrone Area High School in 1957. He attended Penn State University, then Shippensburg and finally the PA Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1961.
Following his schooling, Derman served an apprenticeship under Mr. Johnson for a year. After completing his apprenticeship, he took the state board exam and received his license in December 1962.
In September 1969, Derman married Sharon Myers. The couple has two children, a daughter Debra in Arlington, Va. and a son Larrie A. Derman II of Marina del Rey, Ca.
Upon Mr. Johnson’s retirement in 1977, Derman purchased the business, with his wife Sharon, renaming it Derman Funeral Home.
Derman was the sole proprietor until the business was incorporated in 1987, becoming Derman Funeral Home, Inc. with Derman serving as President.
A second addition was added to the funeral home in 1993, which totally renovated and enlarged the building.
Over the years, five homes were tore down to accommodate the expanding business and to create additional parking.
Derman has been in the business for 47 years and he said over that time it has really changed.
“The home funeral and two-day viewings are very rare now,” he said.
He explained that many people have helped with the business throughout the years and expressed his gratitude. These men, who have been an integral part of the funeral home, include Harold Rhodes, Wilmer Gebhart, Lee Fleck, William Tonkay, Al Kelly, James Kingston, William Cox and currently Murray Fetzer.
“It has been a privilege to have served the Tyrone community with caring and attentive services for the past 50 years,” said Derman.
