Derek M. Hancock

Derek Monwel Hancock was born on September 9, 1950, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Beatrice and Manuel Hancock. He was the oldest of six children. Derek received his formal education in the Philadelphia public school system. He attended Strawberry Mansion Junior High School and Benjamin Franklin High School. Derek, also known as "Kool or "Kool-Aid," received his notorious nickname for his love of grape Kool-Aid. Hailing from a close-knit sibling group, Kool and his brothers and sisters were known around their neighborhood of 29th & Master and even their dad's neighborhood in Germantown. Favorably noticed by the ladies, he married Beverly Hancock. From this union, there was one child, Derek Hancock Jr. Derek (Kool) also had two daughters Sonya and Janek. Derek worked in many different positions with employers such as the City of Philadelphia and the Bill Blass factory. Ironically, he'd work at a fashion leader's factory and not as a designer - as Derek had a reputation of being a sharp dresser. Dressing nicely wasn't the only thing Kool was known for. Many people remember him for his intelligence and his master plans. One of those master plans was selling pillows and "bed in a bags" with his brothers. He'd overrun his dad's home with the linens, and they would get to work selling. Derek could set his mind to do anything he wanted because he was clever and very intelligent. A thinker and a card counter, math wizard, and a quick learner with other natural abilities. Kool could sing and sing well. One of his favorite songs was "COOL" by Morris Day. He grew up with and sang with Teddy Pendergrass for a while but did not pursue singing professionally, as other curiosities beckoned his exploration. Kool had a thirst for knowledge and liked to gain an understanding of how things "worked" and how he could "work" things. This approach was how he maneuvered any and all of life’s twists and turns. Derek was preceded in death by his father Manuel Hancock, his mother Beatrice Kendall, brothers Dorian Hancock and Drew Hancock, sisters Diedre Hancock and Dana Hancock. He leaves to cherish his memories; three children, Derek Hancock Jr., Sonya Thomas, Janek Hancock; one brother Herman Mosley; three grandchildren Brittany Irving, Kevin Thomas, Jonathan Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Submitted With Love, The Family

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