Robert J. Drennen

Robert James Drennen, a resident of Suffern for almost 60 years passed away at home surrounded by his family on April 20, at the age of 85, after a hard-fought battle with colon cancer. Born on November 27, 1936, in Narberth, PA, he was the son of William James Drennen and Loraine Musselman.

He graduated from Lower Merion High School, after enlisting in the U.S. Navy at age 17. He attended Gettysburg College as a member of the Naval Reserves and completed officer's training school in the summers. On graduation day, he received his commission in the Navy, spending 2 years in the Caribbean in communications. A highlight was being present when Abel and Baker, the monkeys sent up in the first "space flight", landed. His last year was spent at NSA.

In 1961 he married Nancy Wahaus, leaving active duty for graduate school at Cornell. In 1962 he began his 30-year career in elementary education, as teacher and principal at Airmont and Cherry Lane schools in Suffern (Ramapo) Central School district. He received master's degrees from Cornell and Seton Hall. Always active in his professional organizations, he was named Rockland County School Administrator of the year in 1986. He served on the Board of Directors and later became president of SAANYS (School Administrators Association of New York State) from 1990-1992. He was an ardent supporter of public education and considered the Cherry Lane staff and students family.

An ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church USA, he served on numerous committees and sang in church choirs. For 20 years he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, first in Paterson, NJ, then in Rockland. He also devoted time to Helping Hands, the coalition for the homeless in Rockland and Ramapo Community Chefs.

A committed environmentalist and proponent of outdoor education, he and others founded the Torne Valley Preservation Assoc. in the 1990's and successfully fought to keep a power plant from being built there. As a Ramapo Democratic committee member, he worked to enforce zoning and preserve open space.

Bob indulged his passion for sailing and all things nautical from a summer cottage on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where he and the family enjoyed hours on the water in the Chesapeake Bay area. In February he sailed every day from their time share in Cancun. With his "sailing buddies" he traveled from Maine to Florida. In the summer he and Nancy cruised with friends on the east coast. They chartered in other countries and toured in all parts of the world.

A lover of baseball, he and a friend spent several spring training seasons in FL, usually managing to fit in 2 games a day! Bob loved being with people and enjoyed meeting former colleagues every Thursday afternoon, every Saturday morning for breakfast, and at a monthly Habitat bagels group. For years he and Nancy enjoyed a Friday night pizza group.

He is survived by Nancy, his wife of over 60 years, and his sister Jane Ortel (Wade) of Wakefield, RI, daughters, Becky Drennen of Suffern, Meg Drennen (Udit Minocha) of Falls Church, VA, and Kate Drennen of Brooklyn, NY, sister-in-law Kathi Parris (Wayne) of Naples, FL and various nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation at Wanamaker and Carlough Funeral Home on Saturday, April 23, from 3:00-7:00 pm with prayers at the close. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, suggested donations are requested to:

Helping Hands Interfaith Coalition, P.O Box 240, Nyack, NY 10960

Habitat for Humanity of Rockland, P.O. Box 329, Spring Valley, NY 10977

United Hospice, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956, or your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wanamakercarlough.com for the Drennen family.