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Richard Drew Obituary

Richard Warren Drew, 86, of Sagamore Beach died March 15. He was a graduate of Plymouth High School (1944) and Boston University (1950) and served in the Army during World War II, stationed in Caserta, Italy. Mr. Drew taught in music programs in Washburn and Presque Isle, Maine, public schools and, for 32 years, in the Wellesley Public School System. He was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 393. He is survived by his wife, Mary Evilo (Burtsell) Drew; his sister, Margie Holmes of Plymouth; his five children and their families, Bruce and Jean Drew of Hudson, Scott and Barbara Drew, and their children, Lauren and Jeffery of Newtown, Pa., Carol Drew and Ralph DiGaetano, and their daughter, Keira of Rockville, Md., John and Joanne Drew of Sagamore Beach, and Paul and Beth Drew, and their children, Ryan, Nicholas and John of North Andover. A private memorial service will be held. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the National Marine Life Center, P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532, nmlc.org. Online condolences can be made at richarddavisfuneralhome.com.

Published by Old Colony Memorial from Mar. 25 to Apr. 1, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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I will always remember Mr. Drew for his enthusiasm in both encouraging the musician & instilling the appreciation of the music itself. Those of us who passed through the WJHS Music Dept. were fortunate to learn from him, and the years have not diminished either his memory or influence. My deepest sympathies to his family, & I am grateful for his contribution to the enrichment of so many of our lives.

Bob Molloy

April 3, 2014

My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.

March 31, 2014

Very sorry to hear. I remember you well, even though I only had you in 7th grade band at the Wellesley Junior High School in 1979!

Stew Pruslin

March 30, 2014

I can still hear " Mr Drews' " trumpet blasting thru the auditorium with the WJHS Dixieland Band in the early sixties! We loved that. I appreciate too how he supported our Red Blazers ELECTRIC guitar band. It was the first , and he let us practice in the auditorium one morning each week before school. Dick was everything one could want from a music director. Someone who mentored and one who would join in right beside you for the love of the music. He was us. What a great guy. Thanks, Dick, we'll all play again some day.
Bob McNamara

March 29, 2014

Dear Evilo,
We were so sad hearing about Dick's passing today. I have so many wonderful memories of years of teaching in Wellesley with Dick. We played on jobs together for over 30 years. Love to you and your children.
Judy and Bob Davis

March 28, 2014

Drew family.....our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time. Mr. Drew was quite the "professor" if you will...as the daughter of a professional classical musician, I am more than aware of the dedication, love and passion necessary to reach that "professor" level....Mr. Drew had it all.....and while he pushed me (back then I would have said he pushed me harder than most) he also taught me more than how to play....he taught me the importance of understanding my place in the orchestra....and not only the orchestra in our school....but the orchestra of life....Godspeed Mr. Drew....your lessons shall never cease to guide a part of my life....Rest soundly....

Carrie Goldman

March 27, 2014

Blessings from the Whalen Family. Mr. Drew( or Big D as we affectionately called him)Made it all so much fun, A joy to be a student of his. We always thought of him first as a friend. So many Great Wellesley musicians got their start under his tutelage. So many wonderful memories and friendships he encouraged.
We will miss you greatly,
Sally, Betsy,Shawn, Jamie Whalen

Shawn Whalen

March 27, 2014

Mr. Drew was one of those very special teachers who changed student's lives. Junior high years are typically challenging ones but thanks to Mr. Drew's love of music, his wonderful teaching style, his faith in his students, and his unique sense of humor, my three years in junior high were not only enjoyable, they were inspirational...... I will always be grateful to him.... my sympathy to his family...... he will be missed...

Susan Kanter Richards

March 26, 2014

All I have to do is say the name "Mr Drew" and a flood of memories come streaming out for myself and so many of my friends and countless others. He will not be forgotten and he will be missed. I was fortunate to be able to hear a couple more Mr Drew stories the last two summers. Condolences to all who are close to him.

Henry Kanter

March 26, 2014

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