Dick Drew

Dick Drew of Newton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 23, at age 88. Richard John Drew was raised in Allston just down the street from Braves field. He was preceded in death by his brother Herbert, sister Patricia, and brother David. He was the beloved husband of 62 years to Irene "Alice" Drew.

Dick’s love of sports started early, collecting autographs of countless Hall of Fame baseball players at Braves field. Dick also discovered his love of golf and remembers hitchhiking with friends to DW Field in Brockton to golf all-day for just 50 cents. Dick’s family spent summers in a cottage at Monponsett Pond in Halifax, Mass. As an athlete, Dick was a talented second baseman and played forward for the basketball team at St Mary's Catholic High School in Waltham.

He entered Boston College in 1951 as a commuting student and quickly developed lifelong friendships with a core group of classmates. Dick was a top student, Mathematics Major, and ROTC member who was elected Senior Class President and co-editor of BC’s school newspaper, “The Heights.” Upon graduation in 1955, Dick served in the US Army Air Defense. Dick would later joke that he “successfully protected Hartford, Connecticut from Russian bombers during the Cold War.”

 In 1960 Dick married Alice and they started their family in a Watertown apartment. After the birth of their fifth child, their growing family moved to Newtonville in 1966. Ultimately, all seven Drew children were raised in Newtonville, attended Cabot Elementary School, F.A. Day Junior High School, and Newton North High School. Dick famously coached little league while carving out a successful career in Life Insurance, working for Connecticut General.

 Dick’s adventurous soul was most evident when he decided to rent a 27-foot RV and take his family on a 6,000 mile cross-country trip in the summer of 1977, and then again in ‘78. Dick’s creative side came to life through his stunning photography and lifelong commitment to writing. Lucky recipients could view his photography in Drew family Christmas cards, while family & friends were enthralled by his clear, detailed and personal writing reflections on important events.

Dick enjoyed a variety of arts, culture, events, and travel. Whether it was trips to Broadway to see Les Miserables, folk concerts at Boston’s Paulist Center or global excursions to Hong Kong & Switzerland.

 A lover of virtually every sport, Dick’s singular passion was golf. Dick was a proud member of two legendary Donald Ross courses; a 40-year member at Charles River Country Club in Newton and a 15-year member at Pinehurst in North Carolina. A few of Dick’s golf highlights include:

● Champion of several Charles River tournaments; Member-Member, Member-Guest (2x), Father-Son (3x), Senior Championship (2x)

● Two holes-in-one and two double eagles, also known as an albatross as Dick liked to point out.

 ● 307 scorecards collected from courses he played around the world

 ● Twice served as a US Open Course Marshall

 ● Played both Pebble Beach and Cypress Point 13 times

Dick adored his seven kids, spouses, and his 17 grandchildren; Michael and Tracy of Plymouth, NH and their sons Brendan and Rowan, Christine and David Werner of Simsbury, CT and daughters Corinne, Stephaine, and their son Jack, Stephen and Tracy of Plymouth MA and son their Christopher “CJ, William and Patricia of Hinesburg and their children Ali and Lindsey, John and Lori (Lori) of Chelmsford and their sons Nick and Zack, Gia of Kennebunkport, ME, and Ellen Claflin of Pembroke and her daughters Amanda (Pierce), Caroline, Emily, Molly and Sarah, and her sons Patrick and Colin.

Dick was affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandkids and was an enthusiastic supporter of their many interests, passions, and activities. Papa was also the proud great-grandfather of Ava, Amelia, Charlotte, and Andrew.

Dick’s extended family made him the uncle to 12 cherished nieces and nephews: Tracy (Drew) Marini, Frank Drew, and Tim Drew originally of Abington. He was the Uncle of Terry (Drew) Bokern and Julie (Drew) Miller originally of West Barnstable. He was Uncle to Paul Doherty of Mashpee, Karen Doherty of “The World”, Sue (Doherty) Tocci of Newton, Brian Doherty of Pepperell, and Denise Doherty of Tukwila. He was Uncle to Kevin Springer of Dartmouth Nova Scotia and Michelle McKenna of Boston.

 Dick’s station as the head of the family expanded to his role as a dear brother-in-law to Alice’s two sisters, Pauline (Leblanc) Doherty of Hingham and Jeannie Leblanc of Boston and to his Brother’s wife Evelyn (Girolamo) Drew of Abington.

Dick’s life philosophy was simple and memorable. Dick was relentlessly optimistic, his positivity was infectious and his belief in himself and others was supreme. Dick’s legacy is one of family and friends, integrity and faith, and creativity and curiosity. He will be missed by everyone who ever had the distinct pleasure of knowing him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home, 465 Centre Street Newton Corner . Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady’s Church in Newton at 10:30 AM Fri, July 29. Interment in Newton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s memory, to the Disabled American Veterans DAV www.dav.org

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