Derek Cimeno, the well-known Tisbury shellfish constable who worked tirelessly to monitor and constantly improve conditions on the ponds in Vineyard Haven, died at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston on Monday, Sept. 14. He was 39 and was a resident of Oak Bluffs.

Mr. Cimeno was the father of Anthony J. Cimeno and longtime companion of Patricia Bonito.

The Tisbury selectmen put out a statement early this week commending Mr. Cinemo for his work; he began as assistant shellfish constable in February of 1997. “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our shellfish constable . . . Derek was a terrific person . . . and I know we will mourn his loss for some time,” said selectman and board chairman Tristan Israel in the statement. “I can’t say enough about his dedication to Tisbury and the incredible personal commitment he had toward the shellfishing community. His dedication to work was matched only by his spirit and wonderful sense of humor,” added town administrator John Bugbee.

Mr. Cimeno is survived by his mother, Patricia (Gleason) Cimeno and siblings Bryan, Robert, Gregory, Jeffrey and Suzanne Cimeno. He was predeceased by his father, Robert F. Cimeno.

A memorial service will be held at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs on Saturday, Sept. 26, at noon with the Rev. Roger Spinney officiating. Family and friends will gather at the Portuguese American Club in Oak Bluffs following the service. Friends are welcome to bring a desert to share.

Donations will be accepted for a marine biology scholarship fund to be set up in his memory. A complete obituary will appear in a future edition of the Gazette.