John Francis Droz

John Francis Droz, 84, of Old Bridge, passed away quietly on Friday, May 14, 2010 surrounded by family at the Center of Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains. He was a Police Officer with the New York City Police Department for 20 years retiring in 1974. After his retirement he became involved in Building Management leading to working as a Fire Safety Marshall all for the City of New York. John was an avid sports enthusiast and athlete becoming a Golden Gloves Champion when he was a youngster and maintained his athleticism throughout his entire life. He was also an avid Mets fan. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society for most of his adult life. He was a supporter of the Pacific Aviation Museum, he loved politics and eating. John was more recently a member of the Old Bridge Senior Center. Born in Brooklyn, He was raised in the Williamsburg section and resided in Canarsie, Brooklyn, before retiring to Whiting, NJ in 1996. He had just recently relocated to Old Bridge to be near family. John is predeceased by his wife of 49 years, the late Joan nee Kelly in 1999. He is also predeceased by his two brothers, Julius and Joseph Droz, and a grandson, Robert Kenneth Cleary in 2004. Surviving are four daughters, Patricia Droz of Colonia, Joan & her husband Thomas Abitabile of Old Bridge, Kathleen & her husband Alfred Spinelli of Cranford, and Jeanne & her husband Robert Cleary of Fanwood. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Kathleen & her husband Michael Vitale, Kristen Abitabile, Daniel John Spinelli, and Ryan John Cleary. Friends may call on Monday, May 17, from 2-4pm and 6-9pm and on Tuesday, May 18 from 8:30-9:30am at the Michael Hegarty Funeral Home, 3377 US Hwy. 9 Old Bridge, NJ 08857. A Funeral Liturgy will be Tuesday, May 18 at 10am from St Ambrose RC Church, Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge. Committal will follow at St Joseph Cemetery, CedarGrove Rd. Toms River.