Richard L. DRURY

DRURY, Richard L.

Richard L. Drury, 73, of Higganum, husband of Patricia (Neff) Drury, died Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Middlesex Memorial Hospital. He was born November 1, 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of the late Dr. Robert L. and Elizabeth (Grafton) Drury. He grew up in Temple Texas and St. Louis, Missouri, and following his father's death in 1947, he lived in Litchfield, Illinois. In 1952 he moved with his mother and twin brother to Florida, and he graduated from Palm Beach High School in 1957. Following graduation he attended Duke University and Auburn University, majoring in chemistry. He served in the United States Army as a photographer in the Signal Corps, stationed in Korea. Upon discharge he moved to East Hartford, Connecticut and worked at Pratt and Whitney. After his marriage he lived in Higganum, Connecticut until his death. Over the years he taught electronics at the Porter and Chester Institute, and later he worked at the Teleco Corporation. Most recently he was a school bus driver for Regional School District No. 17. He was a gifted and patient instructor and a natural teacher, much admired by his students. He loved science, especially chemistry, electronics, and computer science. He loved to read technical material, and he had a special talent for explanation of complex material which introduced and opened up a subject for his pupils. He had many interests and hobbies: in particular he loved cats, elaborate preparations for Halloween, photography, kites, and German food. He loved his family, and he was a fine father and grandfather. He was fortunate to have a wonderful wife and partner, and he enjoyed a good, long, and close marriage. Most of all he was a good guy who loved long conversations and good friends. He had a special talent for this. In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by his two step-sons, Curtis Ryer and his wife Christine of Durham, Connecticut and Clayton Ryer of Clinton, Connecticut as well as his twin brother Dr. Robert Drury of Glastonbury, Connecticut. There are 5 grandchildren: Skye, Zackery, Ty, Gehrig, and Clayton Ryer Jr. and 3 nephews: Stephen, Christopher, and Jonathan Drury.
A memorial service will be held Friday (Sept. 6th) at 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St, Middletown. Burial will be at the convenience of his family. Friends may call prior to the service on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home.To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.