Byrd Drucker

DRUCKER--Byrd, 78, died peacefully on October 25 surrounded by his loving family in New York City. The beloved husband of Janet for 57 extraordinary and memorable years, he is also survived by his adoring children, Carol, William and his wife Rhonda, and his youngest daughter, Abby, as well as three amazing grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sarah Beth and Matthew. His older brothers, Joseph, Simon, and David Drucker predeceased him. He was especially devoted to his sister-inlaw, Anita Caminiti, who showered him with laughter, kindness and an abundance of Italian cuisine. He met Janet at 15 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where they were both raised, and their lives have been inextricably linked ever since. After enlisting in the U.S. Army at 17, he served as a paratrooper in World War II. A graduate of Boys High School in Brooklyn, with both a B.A. and an M.A. from Brooklyn College, he was a devoted teacher of economics and history for 35 years for the New York City Board of Education. An educational innovator, he developed an alternative school at Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, which prepared high-school graduates for immediate entry onto a career track. He was the Executive Director of Camp Louemma, part of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, in Glenwood, New Jersey, for 17 years. During this time, he mentored young people in the social work field and created a wonderful camping experience for thousands of New York City children, in the process forming life-long bonds with many of the campers. In 1976, Byrd, along with his wife, Janet, founded Drucker Antiques, which is now operated by their son, William. Their shared passion for art, antiques and design created a business that has cultivated a worldwide appreciation for Georg Jensen silver. His passion, knowledge and perseverance enabled his wife, Janet, to complete her labor of love, the authoritative monograph on Georg Jensen silver, "Georg Jensen: A Traditional of Splendid Silver," now in its second edition. In their 60s, they embarked on a new adventure, and moved from their longtime home in Canarsie, Brooklyn, into Manhattan, where they truly felt like every day was a holiday. He enjoyed summering in the Adirondacks and East Hampton. A passionate New York Knicks fan, whether they won or lost, he was a gracious sportsman and an avid swimmer. Byrd will always be remembered for his humor, intelligence, curiosity, persistence, courage, kindness, wisdom, and his ability to savor every moment of joy. Family was most important to him, and in his mind, a man's wealth could be measured by his abundance of loving family and friends, and in this regard, he was the richest of men, and will be sorely missed. One of the greatest lessons he imparted to his children and grandchildren was that the only things that could limit them were their own dreams. A memorial service will be held, Sunday, October 28, at 11:45am at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th Street, at Amsterdam Avenue.