Profile Facts
- Name
- Walter William Derylo
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Gaylord
- Ordained
- 1968
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 8/17/2007
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Walter William Derylo, ordained in 1968, was accused in 2007 of inappropriately touching a young girl in the Diocese of Gaylord. Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers gathered the documented account so survivors and families in northern Michigan can see exactly what was reported.
Derylo died just months after the report was made. This page sets out the allegation, the context the diocese recorded, and the civil path Michigan law may still offer survivors.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Gaylord
Northern Michigan’s Diocese of Gaylord is one of seven Catholic dioceses in the state, together with Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw. The Michigan Attorney General’s 2018 investigation into clergy sexual abuse collected records from every diocese, including Gaylord, to understand how allegations were handled. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can review what your diocese documented.
In smaller, rural dioceses, priests often knew entire families personally, a closeness abusers can exploit. If a priest abused your child, the diocese that assigned him may share responsibility.
The Allegations Against Father Walter William Derylo
Where He Served
Published records indicate that Derylo was ordained in 1968 and served in the Diocese of Gaylord. In May 2007, a woman told the diocese that Derylo had touched her daughter when the girl was age 5 or 6. The woman also said she herself had been in a sexual relationship with Derylo from 1985 into the 1990s, a relationship Derylo confirmed. Derylo died on August 17, 2007, only months after the report.
What Was Reported
According to the diocesan account, the daughter had recently told her mother about the “touching” but was unsure how many times it had happened; she remembered one incident that allegedly occurred while Derylo was putting her pajamas on her. Because Derylo died in 2007, he is no longer alive for anyone to pursue criminal charges against him, but survivors may still be able to bring civil claims against his estate or the Diocese of Gaylord.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Criminal prosecutions punish offenders through the justice system; civil lawsuits compensate survivors for their injuries. The two are independent, a civil claim can proceed even when a criminal case was never filed or can no longer be brought.
Derylo died in 2007, so he is no longer alive for anyone to pursue criminal charges against him. That does not end a survivor’s options: civil claims against his estate or the Diocese of Gaylord may still be viable, particularly given the diocese’s own record of the report.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 generally gives survivors ten years from the abuse, or until age 28, whichever is later, to file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit. Michigan law sets no time limit for first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
Very young children often cannot describe abuse until years later, and may only disclose it as adults. Such delayed disclosure is normal and expected; an attorney can determine whether the law still allows your claim.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Survivors may pursue claims against the abuser’s estate and the diocese, especially if church officials knew or should have known of misconduct, failed to supervise the priest, concealed reports, or neglected proper screening and training. Compensation can cover medical and therapy expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
To speak privately and without cost, call White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195. We only collect a fee if we win your case.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.