NEW YORK, NY — Erdal Dere, a New York resident associated with Manhattan’s antiquities trade, died on October 13, 2026, at the age of 56, according to a published obituary provided by Feeney Funeral Home.
Born on April 1, 1970, Dere was remembered by his family as a kind and generous person whose presence made a difference in the lives of those around him. Above all, he valued his family and took great pride in being a husband and father.
Dere is survived by his wife, Erin, and their children, Lilly and Patrick. His surviving family members also include his parents, Selim and Aysel Dere; his sister, Semra, and her husband, Mark Stiles; and several relatives on his wife’s side of the family.
The obituary describes a man who treasured his relationships with family and friends. Loved ones are remembering the affection, generosity and lasting connections he shared throughout his life.
Dere was associated with Fortuna Fine Arts Ltd., a Manhattan gallery known for dealing in antiquities and historical objects. His professional background also attracted public attention in 2020, when federal authorities announced charges relating to an alleged scheme involving antiquities provenance records. Those charges are a separate matter from the announcement of his death and should not be confused with the family’s remembrance of his life.
According to the published obituary, visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at noon at St. Mark’s Syriac Orthodox Cathedral in Paramus, followed by interment at George Washington Memorial Park.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Convent of the Sacred Heart or Saint David’s School.
Erdal Dere’s family and friends will remember him for the love he gave, the relationships he built and the memories that will remain with them.
Source note: Death, family details and service arrangements are based on the published funeral-home obituary.
