David F. "Dusty" Drew III

David F. "Dusty" Drew III obituary, Stuart, FL

FUNERAL HOME

Martin Funeral Home - Stuart Chapel

961 South Kanner Highway

Stuart, Florida

David Drew Obituary

STUART, Fla. - David F. "Dusty" Drew III, 76, of Stuart, Fla., and Standish, Maine, died on Jan. 31, 2019. He was born on Dec. 20, 1942, in Portland, Maine, to the late David F., Jr. and Beverly Beale Drew.

Dusty graduated from Standish High School and Springfield College and earned a master's degree in education from Boston University.

For many years Dusty and his wife owned and operated Camp Wekeela on Bear Pond in Hartford, Maine, where young people from highly varied backgrounds spent memory-making summers having fun while absorbing life-lessons along the way.

At the University of Southern Maine, where Dusty taught and coached baseball, he had a 206-143 record and won five NAIA District 5 championships. The 1985 team won the Area 8 championship and became the first Maine team to participate in the NAIA College World Series. Dusty earned several NAIA District Coach of the Year awards and served as chairman of the NAIA Baseball Committee for five years. In 1999, he was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame and in 2004 was named to the USM Husky Hall of Fame.

Dusty served on many town committees in Standish and was a past president of the Kiwanis Club and Watchic Lake Association. He volunteered for the Red Cross and Meals on Wheels program in Stuart, as well as Miles Grant Country Club. Dusty was most fulfilled as a mentor to young people both on and off the ballfield. He enjoyed dancing and classical music and looked forward every year to spending summers in Maine (mostly in his lakeside vegetable garden) and winters in Florida (mostly golfing or volunteering). He was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers (for whom he once tried out), as well as the Red Sox and Patriots. During his retirement, he regularly coached from his recliner, and made predictions for his supported teams' success based upon his own unique analysis.

Dusty had a tremendous work ethic, and was also an organizational genius. Whether it was almost single-handedly bringing back to life the physical plant of a long-closed summer camp, organizing camper or spring baseball trips, feeding all of the athletes at USM during periods when the cafeteria was closed, running a golf tournament at Miles Grant, or overseeing a Kiwanis dinner, Dusty easily took on great responsibility, and had fun while creating memorable times for others.

Dusty is survived by his brother, Donald F. Drew (Martha) of Standish, Maine; his sister, Debra Martin (Jimmie Walraven) of Englewood, Fla.; and his son, Thomas Cronin (Patricia) of Gloucester, Mass. He is survived by grandchildren, Melissa McMahon (Conor) of San Diego, Calif., and Scott Cronin (Andreane Bolduc) of Brighton, Mass.; several nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Claire Drew of Stuart, Fla. He was predeceased by his son, Timothy Cronin.

At Dusty's request there will be no service. The family would like to extend special thanks to Treasure Coast Hospice and to the caring and compassionate staffs of Hay-Madiera House and Harper House.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.Martin-Funeral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to your favorite charity.

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Feb. 10, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for David Drew

Not sure what to say?





My Deepest Sympathy To Debbi and your Family. I'll always remember that first summer at Wekeela and how Dusty put life into that camp for so many kids.

Victoria Spinale

March 25, 2019

You probably didn't realize how many lives you touched over the decades Dusty. You were humble, inspiring, and had fantastic humor. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and guidance during my college years at USM and at wild & wonderful Camp Wekeela! Rest In Peace.

Marian Drake Schwabauer

February 14, 2019

Thank you Dusty! Your efforts allowed me to play the game I love and have so many great experiences! Thank you for not just being a great coach but friend too!

Glenn
USM Captain 85

Glenn Dumont

February 13, 2019

Thanks for everything, Dusty. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to play the game we both loved. If not for you, I would have never met many great lifelong friends that have had a positive impact. We'll miss you, but never forget you.

USM Captain '82

Mac McKew

February 12, 2019

Dusty, thanks for having faith in me, and giving me a chance!

Jim Sawyer UMPG Baseball 1974-1976

February 12, 2019

God Bless!

Jim Brown

February 11, 2019

My sincere condolences may the loving memories you shared sustain you now and in the days ahead may the God of all comfort be with you

February 11, 2019

Gone too soon, Dusty....You left a little of yourself with all whom you touched...
Roxie (Brown) Larain-Shaw, SHS '60

February 10, 2019

May Go bless you and your family at this time of sorrow.I know my dad Charles Libby had great respect for you and your family.

Reis Libby

February 10, 2019

My heart goes out to Dusty's family and friends. I have fond memories of Dusty and his family while growing up in the Paine Neighborhood and of him as a former classmate at Standish High School.

Jean Cobb

February 10, 2019

My first love in 1st grade.

Coralie Tompson

February 10, 2019

Dusty, we started in the first grade together and went through them all, including graduation in 1960. I worked with your mom at Kiwanis, and your family was always dear to me. Standish has a great loss in your leaving. I'm heartbroken to know you've gone.

Beverly Hartford

February 10, 2019

Ah Dusty! What a treasure to have been a small part of your life. I have lots of memories of USM and you're a part of so many of them. I loved your humor and sharing experiences and enjoyments; we had many of those in common. Finally I'll say that one of my most important achievements was winning the Drew award for my volunteer work at USM way back in 1999. I had to look that up. Wasn't it just last week? I hadn't seen you for quite awhile but I'll miss you just the same. Peace, my friend.

Noelle Neuwirth

February 10, 2019

Rest in peace dear friend. You reached for the stars and followed your dreams. School mates and friends forever. Love Pamela Bouchey (Seavey)

pamela bouchey

February 10, 2019

Cousin Dusty, a wonderful soul and good person, with loving thoughts always, Cousin Linda and Steve

Linda and Steve Libby

February 10, 2019

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in David Drew's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for David Drew

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Martin Funeral Home - Stuart Chapel

961 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, FL 34994

How to support David's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Drew's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more