Wolfgang G. Drill

Wolfgang G. Drill of Wappingers Falls passed away peacefully in his home on September 12, 2025. He was 96 years old. Born on June 26, 1929, in Union City, NJ, to German immigrants Ernst and Erma (Schmenka) Drill, Wolfgang spent his formative years growing up in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. He joined the U.S. Army shortly after his 16th birthday during World War II, though he did not see battle with the war ending shortly after.

Upon returning to New York, Wolfgang simultaneously found one respectable job at The Bowery Savings Bank and one not-so-respectable, but exciting, job as a bookie. He gave up the exciting part-time gig when he met the love of his life, Mary J. Hanavie, while working together at the Bowery. They had their first date at a Chinese restaurant across from Macy's in Herald Square and were married at St. William the Abbott Church in Seaford, NY, on August 21, 1954. They were married until Mrs. Drill's death on January 20, 1996. Wolfgang brought a single red rose to her grave each week until his own death.

Due to the Bowery's non-fraternization policy, Wolfgang began what would be the remainder of his career at Manhattan Savings Bank, which allowed him to travel often to his favorite city, London, and where he retired as a Vice President in 1989. He was very proud that he accomplished so much without a high school diploma.

Wolfgang and Mary moved to Fort Lee, NJ, where they raised their two daughters, Jackie Fox (Fred) of Wappingers Falls, NY, and Stephanie Laurelli (Richard) of Sarasota, FL. They enjoyed taking walks along Englewood Cliffs and over the George Washington Bridge. The family moved to Wappingers Falls, NY, in 1970, when Wolfgang claimed he was one of 5 or 10 people who took Metro-North to Manhattan from the Beacon station.

More than anything, Wolfgang was the most wonderful and supportive father and grandfather. He spent his retirement caring for his grandchildren, playing golf, building model planes, smoking cigars, watching British humor (from Laurel and Hardy and Monty Python to The Office), and dining at some of his favorite Hudson Valley restaurants-Dutchess Manor, Cherry Blossom, Chianti's, The Backyard Bistro, Aroma Osteria, Ship Lantern Inn, Hudson House River Inn, and Mountain Brauhaus. In his opinion, which he would say couldn't be argued against, a proper dinner must have multiple courses, including a glass (or two) of Jack Daniel's, soup (preferably onion), Caesar salad, entrée, dessert (preferably flaming), ending with coffee and a glass of anisette. All of this was to be followed by a cigar, listening to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass at home.

Wolfgang is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, grandchildren Patrick Laurelli of Nashville, TN, Megan Laurelli (Ali Hasan) of Montgomery, NY, and Sara Laurelli (Grant Champagne) of New Orleans, LA, and his sister, Christa Gebbia of Pennsylvania. He will be deeply missed and remembered by his wit, wisdom, and famous words: "There is always room for dessert." Salute!

In lieu of sending flowers, Wolfgang's family asks that you enjoy a good meal with your loved ones, followed by a glass of Jack and a cigar (if that's your thing).

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, September 17 at 10 a.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 5468 Route 9W, Newburgh.

To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.