Derek Casey Palme, 20, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2012. Derek was born on April 2, 1991, in Morristown, NJ and lived in Long Valley, NJ, and Winston-Salem, NC. A graduate of West Morris Central High School in 2009, Derek was a junior at Wake Forest University and a member of the Deke fraternity. He loved soccer and music and had an infectious smile.

Derek is survived by his parents, Fred and Dorothy Palme, four brothers, three sisters-in-law, and six nieces and nephews. He is also fondly remembered by his aunts and uncles, cousins, and many dear friends.

A memorial gathering will be held in honor of Derek on Thursday, January 12, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a memorial service following from 7:00 until 7:30 at William J. Leber Funeral Home in Chester, NJ. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations in his name are made to the Fund for Wake Forest Scholars at www.wfu.edu/giving