CANAAN – Wilfred Edward DeRaps, 83, died on Sept. 3, 2022, peacefully, in his home, with his loving wife, Penny, by his side. Ed was born on May 10, 1939, to Mary Bourque DeRaps and Wilfrid DeRaps in Waterville and lived his life in Fairfield and Canaan.

Ed graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston. He worked in the Boston area before moving back to Maine to work at Pineland Hospital. He returned to Waterville and worked as Chief Pharmacist at Seton Hospital. In 1975 he became Director of Pharmacy for both Seton and Thayer Hospitals during the merger. He joined the management team and was the manager of several departments for Mid-Maine Medical Center. Eventually, he left hospital pharmacy and became a retail pharmacist for Rite Aid, where he worked until his retirement in 2004.

Ed was an honorable man with a joyful and compassionate spirit. He was an avid gardener, as demonstrated by his lovely gardens in Canaan. Ed loved Christmas and was Santa at Rite Aid and various other venues, including Yelapa, Mexico. This tiny village was dear to his heart, and he and Penny spent many winters there, forming lifelong friendships. A jovial hippie at heart, he was often seen in tie-dye. No one will ever forget his hearty laugh and sense of humor.

Surviving are his wife, Dr. Penny K. DeRaps, former wife, Nancy DeRaps; sister, Patricia DeRaps Carlomagno and her husband David, brother, Michael DeRaps; children Susan Lennon and husband Stephen, Michael DeRaps and partner Tammy Silveria, Lisa Ballard and husband Scott, John DeRaps and wife Jessica, Matthew DeRaps and wife Amy, and stepson Elias Bresnick. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Family meant everything to Ed, and they brought him much joy.

It is with immense gratitude that the family acknowledges MaineGeneral Hospice and Dr. Oto Prokop for their kindness and support. Arrangements are under the direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan. There will be a private service.

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” –Maya Angelou

Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to

MaineGeneral Health Office of Philanthropy to Benefit Hospice

P.O. Box 828

Waterville, ME 04903

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