John Robert Dervay II, MS '73, BS '67

John Robert Dervay II was born and grew up, the eldest of four, in Binghamton, NY, later graduating from Wellsville High School in New York after his family re-located. He attended the University at Buffalo, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering (1967 and 1973). John’s ambition, intelligence and meticulous work ethic secured various chemical engineering executive positions with Air Preheater, Keene Corporation, Kaydon Corporation and Dollinger Corporation.

John eventually moved to Tega Cay, SC in 1990, where he retired but continued to work by serving as the city’s zoning administrator in 1996, working tirelessly with the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. John was heavily involved in many of the city’s early infrastructure projects. Almost immediately after leaving his role as the city’s zoning administrator, he joined city council in 2005 and was a council member for the next six years. John loved Tega Cay and was happy to use his engineering background to improve many aspects of this community.

Personal interests of John’s included technology, aviation, reading books from his favorite authors, watching UNC Tarheel basketball and cheering on the Buffalo Bills!