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Joseph DRUAR Obituary
Of Eggertsville, NY entered into rest July 27, 2023. Devoted father of Emily Vittorio; Beloved son of Nancy (nee Baldwin) and the late Irving Druar; dear brother of William (Petch) and the late Carolyn Ann Druar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph's University Church, 3269 Main St., Buffalo, NY on Friday, August 11 at 10 AM. Please assemble at church. Inurnment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by THE DIETRICH FUNERAL HOME. Joe was a former U.S. figure skating champion having competed in the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Online condolences may be made at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph DRUAR
Ann Hensel Beardsley
October 29, 2023
I am so sorry to hear the very sad news. Joe was a great skater and one of the nicest guys I have ever known. He was a salt of the earth kind of guy and solid as a rock. I became friends with Joe and Susie when I arrived in Ardmore to skate with my partner in 1984. They were so welcoming and great to share the ice with everyday. Joe smiled all the time...he made the sun shine just a little bit brighter for everyone. He and Susie worked very hard and deserved all the accolades that they received. Although I hadn´t seen him in years, it feels like the world isn´t the same... like something really important is missing without him. May God bless you all. I will be praying for you. Ann Hensel Beardsley
Laurie Gephardt Vieth
August 16, 2023
Dear Nancy and family,
I am so sorry to have missed the celebration of Joe's life on Friday. Joe would want to know I was working at the Hershey Open as an official for the sport that gave him so much joy. He was so talented as a skater, coach, and skating director. He gave so much back to the sport he loved!
I knew Joe as a skater and a coach and supported him in every way possible. I attended his Frank Carrol Seminar in Buffalo and also taught with him when he started his LTS program at the Nichols rink in Buffalo. He expertise and enthusiasm for whatever project he took on was a true inspiration for all. I enjoyed my dinners with him and any chance I had to be with him while he lived in Buffalo. He was a true warrior and never gave up the fight! He will be greatly missed.
My heart is reaching out to you and family in sympathy and prayer. May the comfort and support of your family and friends be your strength for today and the days ahead.
With love,
Laurie Gephardt Vieth
Tina Perryman Schryver
August 13, 2023
It was a shock to hear the news online of Joe"s passing. I have such fond memories of Joe as teenagers in the local skating scene. He helped so many of us through the dances! It is wonderful to read and see that so many have stayed close to Joe through the years. I will always remember his happy smile and permanently positive attitude...the attitude of a champion. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed !
Dr. John Tigue
August 12, 2023
I count Joe and his brother Alex (Billy) amongst my closest friends from the time we were kids. Skating was a sport for which we had incredible passion, drive, and dedication. We were fortunate to have wonderful parents who supported us and mothers who made 1000's of trips to ice rinks until we were old enough to drive ourselves. I remember well the trip Joe and I took to the 1980 World's. As it turned out, the very next year was really the start of Joe's international skating journey--all the way (with his dance partner) to becoming a national champion as well as a world and an Olympic competitor. It was always good to see Joe when I'd be back in Amherst, NY to visit family. I'll always appreciate the memories of our friendship.
Laura Everngam
August 11, 2023
Such fond memories of Joe. Met him at '85 Pacific Coast championships and competed at '86 & '87 US Nationals together. He and Susie were such an inspiration to me. They were the epitome of "Ice Dance" This photo was taken at a show Jerry and I did together with them in Syracuse, NY. Such a fun time together. He was always so upbeat to be around. Rest in peace my old friend. My sincere sympathies to the family. He will always be remembered.
Paddy Tigue
August 10, 2023
Paddy Tigue
August 10, 2023
Joe was amazing, he was so talented and extremely kind. I will treasure the time we had together in the rink and all the dinners we had together. Joe fought long and hard with his diabetes. I will miss him terribly.
Maryanne Wynne Cronin
August 10, 2023
Dear Druar Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Joe. Such a sad time for all of you. I will always treasure the happy and fun memories our families shared together. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Maryanne Wynne Cronin
Cristen Nowka
August 10, 2023
It has taken me a few days to absorb the loss of a very special person in my life. Joe Druar was not just an incredible athlete , performer, director, and coach. He was a real and true friend. So many wonderful memories of summer skating schools at Buffalo Skating Club. Hanging out at the snack bar at the rink, day trips to Crystal Beach, watching Joe play the air guitar whenever My Sharona came on. I also had the privilege of having Joe partner me through many of my dances. Of course one of the major highlights is watching Joe and Susie become National Dance Champions, and going on to the Olympics!!
Through the years it has been great that we have been able to get together to celebrate many special occasions. So many wonderful times with Paddy, and friends visiting from out of town.
Joe, I will miss you, and your kind and gentle soul. Fly high my friend, until we meet again!
Joe Greer
August 9, 2023
Pax tecum. Pax vobiscum. Peace Joe
Kitty Conrad
August 8, 2023
I was so very sad to hear the news about Joe.
We had many happy times in our skating careers then Stars on Ice together.
I am sending love to his family,
Kitty Carruthers Conrad
Susie Wynne
August 8, 2023
My heart is with you Nancy, Emily and Alex and to your entire family. I’m grateful for the many beautiful memories of my partnership with Joe and for the times we all spent together. God Bless you all and rest in peace sweet Joe.
Leslie Soderberg Deiss
August 7, 2023
I am so, so sorry to hear this. Joe took me through my last Gold Dances in Boston. He got up just to teach me early in the morning and drove to Babson and Warwick, RI to get me through my tests. I got back into skating, joined David Lipowitz and got to Nationals. THANK YOU so much Joe!
Joe was only three years older than I, but was one of my idols. When we met in the early 90's he became a friend. Smart, kind and fun to be around. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, Susie, coaches and the whole skating community. God bless you Joe. You will be missed.
Jill Darden
August 7, 2023
Goodness there just isn't enough words. I got the news last week and I absolutely crumbled. Gosh, when we were so much younger as teens you became a part of my skating world, we all went our separate ways and our friendship renewed crossing paths in Orlando in our much older years. I will hold tight to all the memories throughout the years, I was so blessed to share that part of my life with your talent with my kids. Warm thoughts and prayers go out to your family, Rest in Peace sweet friend."
Paul Wylie
August 7, 2023
I was an Olympic teammate of Joe´s and I remember him fondly. Kindhearted, known for his laughter and of course, a great skater. We will all miss Joe. Paul Wylie
Sara Miller
August 6, 2023
I was shocked when I heard the news and I am so sorry for your loss. I coached with Joe at Nichols for a couple of years and he was such a wonderful person.
Margaret M Druar
August 6, 2023
We are so very sorry to hear this- sending our prayers .
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