HARTFORD, Conn. – Dana E. Drew, 89, died Feb. 1, 2007, in Hartford, Conn., with his devoted wife, Virginia by his side. He was born Feb. 16, 1917, in Patten, son of Thomas and Agnes (Cooper) Drew. He graduated from Patten Academy as salutatorian in 1935. A scholar/athlete in high school and college, he was inducted into the University of Maine Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000 for his remarkable record as a starter in three varsity sports. After graduating as president of his class in 1939, he began his 35-year career as an educator at Old Town High School. He served in the Navy during World War II. During his distinguished career, he served as a teacher, coach or principal of school systems in Skowhegan, Brooks, Fairfield, Boothbay Harbor and Portland, before moving to Massachusetts in 1955. He retired as a school superintendent in Connecticut in 1976. His graduate work in educational administration included the University of Maine, Connecticut, and Harvard Universities. Mr. Drew had many interests. He was a lifelong avid golfer. He restored a 300-year-old house and built two other houses. He was an accomplished wood carver, public speaker, ballroom dancer, and a prolific reader of history. He was an active member of the Rotary Club and of the VFW, Franklin. He served as a Franklin selectman and loved a good political debate. With his wife, Ruth, he was instrumental in the success of several historical societies. Needless to say, he was a faithful member of Red Sox Nation who lived to see them win the Series twice- in 1918 and 2004! His wife of 45 years, Ruth Wooster of Old Town, passed away in Maine in 1986. Four years later he reconnected with Virginia Dougherty of Chatham, Mass., at their 50th University of Maine class reunion. They married and spent a happy 17 years in Chatham, Mass., until they relocated to Hartford, Conn., earlier this year. Mr. Drew was predeceased by his three brothers, Donald, Ira, and Bernard. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; his two daughters, Suzanne Longey of Fitchburg, Mass., and Rebecca Janenda and husband, Joel Janenda, of Manchester, Conn.; his son, Thomas Dana Drew of Eugene, Ore.; his cousin, Marilyn McCourt of Bangor; six grandchildren, six great-grand-children and literally more than 150 nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws in the Drew and Wooster families. He is also survived by his wife’s family, Deborah and Dan Geller and Susan and Russell Rosenberger and their children. A memorial service will be conducted in July in Franklin. Contributions in Dana Drew’s memory may be made to The 1939 Alumni Scholarship Fund, University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469.
DANA E. DREW
