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HARRY DRUYAN Obituary
of Ithaca, NY died at home on October 28th, in his 100th year, surrounded by his family. Born in New York City on April 19, 1917, he overcame severe childhood illness and poverty to graduate from New York University with a degree in journalism. He went on to co-found Hercules-Carnation, Inc., a knitwear company, and built a better life for his whole family without ever losing his compassion and respect for those who still struggle. He was the son of the late Benjamin and Tillie (Goody) who taught him how to love with all of his heart and to be kind. He was a true brother to Freida Freshman and Rebecca Eichner for their whole lives. His wife, Pearl (Goldsmith) predeceased him in 2005 after 65 years of marriage. It was Pearl who persuaded him to explore the farthest reaches of our planet. He was the most conscientious, generous and tender loving father and father- in-law to Les (Viky Norma Rojas) and Ann (the late Carl Sagan.) His preternatural youthfulness and openness of heart and mind was a source of wonder to his grandchildren, Dorion and Jeremy Sagan, Lawrence and the late Erica Druyan, Nick (Clinnette Minnis), Sasha (Jonathan Noel), and Sam Sagan, and great-grandchildren, Tone and Zoe Sagan. Harry served many terms as the mayor of Tyler Road, re-elected annually by the unanimous and enthusiastic consent of his neighbors. To walk through his beloved Wegman's with Harry was to be greeted by friends at every counter and aisle. Harry was elegant, luminous, dashing, real. We are so proud of his life. The love and wisdom we learned from him will guide us all the rest of our days. There will be a graveside service at Lake View Cemetery on Tuesday, November 1st at 11:00am. All who knew him are welcome.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for HARRY DRUYAN
Todd Herron
October 25, 2021
I still miss seeing that Rolls parked in our lot here at the Ithaca Bakery. Harry & Carl's presence will always be a part of fond memories I hold over these 30 + years working at IB. Though stars shine a bit dimmer, I'm grateful to have crossed paths with these gentlemen for they have helped illuminate this amazing journey.
Dawn Hahn
October 23, 2020
He was a very amazing person! Thank You, from the bottom of my heart, for all of your time & generosity. You always cared about the poor & unfortunate people in this world. Thank You for your knowledge & sharing it with the world. May you be resting in peace. You were such a great man & to live to be 100 years old, there was definately something very special about you❤ Dawn Hahn
Dawn
October 23, 2020
He was a very amazing person! Thank You, from the bottom of my heart, for all of your time & generosity. You always cared about the poor & unfortunate people in this world. Thank You for your knowledge & sharing it with the world. May you be resting in peace. You were such a great man & to live to be 100 years old, there was definately something very special about you❤
Tapiwa Mutava
July 19, 2020
Well done champ. Game changers are always. Rest in peace
Todd Campbell-Herron
October 25, 2019
I cherish many fond memories of Harry while he visited me @ the Ithaca Bakery...one of his many, "home away from homes" ! Harry consistently shared the art of story telling by plucking an often colorful, to put it lightly, memory from a thick catalogue of immeasurably delightful, well lived, life experiences. He truly inspired me to not only venture out of my "box" but to embrace the adventure & never regret. Cheers, Harry & thank you for all you gave.
Joanna Champoux
August 8, 2019
Mr.Harry and I were like ships passing in the night. We spent time on a voyage and had wonderful conversations.
I am seeing Nick on television now and remembering the charm of his grandfather.
To wonderful memories.
Joyce Riberdy
March 22, 2017
Annie,you father was such a gentle soul,I loved him with all my heart.
Cindi Johnston Turner
January 2, 2017
Sending hugs from Georgia to you. He was the best mayor of Tyler Road!
Todd Herron
November 10, 2016
Please except my deepest condolences... Harry will remain in my heart a kind & thoughtful soul I have been blessed to have shared many colorful conversations with over the past 20+ years. We will truly miss seeing Harry @ the Bakery & slicing his "thin" lox. Peace.
Todd M. Herron & Staff @
Ithaca Bakery
V V
November 4, 2016
Harry was a gentleman's gentleman and the best of the best! The love and respect that poured out of him for his family is beautiful. He shall forever be missed.
Carolyn Porco
November 1, 2016
To Annie, Sasha, Sam, Nick, Dorian and Jeremy, and all the other family members I've met through the years,
I just read about Harry from Sasha's Tweet. It makes me very sad to know he's gone. He was a lovely person and I delighted in talking with him the few occasions I had the chance to. It was so patently clear why you all cherished him so much.
I wish you peace and acceptance at this time.
Sending my love and condolences,
Carolyn
Lenny Druyan
November 1, 2016
I have fond memories of Harry, who bore the same name as my father- his uncle. He was one of my father's earliest friends when my father first arrived in the US. May his memory be blessed and may the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
October 31, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with
the family, for the loss of your
loved one.
May the "Father of tender mercies"
be with the family and friends,
during and after these difficult
times.
October 31, 2016
Please accept my condolences dear family of Mr. Druyan. Dealing with such a loss is hard at times, but during this difficult time of mourning, may you find a measure of hope and comfort in our loving God and creator who promises "to comfort all who mourn." Isa. 61:2
Jason Gettinger
October 31, 2016
To the Druyan/Sagan Family
It may seem strange to thank you for publishing very sad news. Even though he was a very gentle man, Harry, with his humor and kindness, would light up a room like a roman candle. Surely you all will continue to be enriched by his memory.
Cari and Bill Greene
October 30, 2016
There is a small black hole in this world now that Harry's bright light no longer shines. We will truly miss him too...
Renee Benson
October 30, 2016
All of our love reaches out to each member of the Druyan and Sagan families. We love you and share the sadness of your loss. Harry was a true model of walking respect, gentleness, good humor and wisdom. He will always hold a place in my heart and the hearts of my children and Bob. ♡ Renée Benson and Bob Wright.
October 29, 2016
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Harry. We know how dearly he was beloved and hope your memories keep his spirit alive for you. Hugs to all!!!
Betsy, Andy, and Amelie Noel
Tom Wakula
October 29, 2016
Ann and Family,
May I offer my condolences on the passing of your Father, and may the love of family and friends help carry you though your time of grief.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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