He was born on March 29, 1933 in Philadelphia, PA as the son on Philip James Dreger and Elizabeth Cannon Dreger. After serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Fremont during the Korean War from 1951-1956, Philip earned a degree from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
Philip was married to Rachael Caroline Kennedy in 1954 and after 53 years of marriage, was preceded in death by her in 2007. The couple resided in Philadelphia, New York, Atlanta, Tokyo, and Foley, AL. He was also preceded by his sister Patricia Dreger Rossi in January 2013.
Philip was a dedicated employee of IBM for 31 years, retiring as Director of Finance. He was a devoted volunteer as well, working with the USO, Meals-on-Wheels, and Northside Hospital. For his volunteer service, he earned The President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2012. He was a loving father and grandfather, and was a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock, GA. Philip was a charter member of the Roswell East Rotary Club.
Survivors include his children: Philip James Dreger III (Karen) of Duluth, GA; Richard James Dreger (Julie) of Roswell, GA; Victoria Patricia Tate (Joseph) of Atlanta; and Lisa Patricia Jewell (Stan) of Buenos Aires, Argentina; nine grandchildren: Jessica Dreger McDermott (Keith), Philip James Dreger IV (Eva), Richard James Dreger, Jr., Mary Reid Dreger, Zachary Clay Jewell, Jordan Kennedy Jewell, John Brewer Dreger, Oliver Patrick Jewell, and Lillian Victoria Jewell; and one great-granddaughter: Molly Elizabeth McDermott.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Peter Chanel on Fruday, August 2 at 2:00 pm.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to the USO (Atlanta Chapter) or Meals-on-Wheels (Cherokee County).
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