Thomas Michael Druga, 59 Obituary

Thomas Michael Druga, 59 attended Marion L Steele High School in Amherst, OH. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Thomas Michael Druga, 59.

Graduation Year	Class of 1969
Date of Passing	May 22, 2011
About	Thomas Michael Druga 21 Oct 1951 - 22 May 2011 Marion L Steele HS - Class of 1969 "Thomas Michael Druga, 59, of Winston-Salem, NC passed away peacefully in the company of loved ones at home on Sunday, May 22, 2011 after battling pancreatic cancer for over a year and a half. Tom graduated from Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst, Ohio in 1969 and from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA in 1973. While in college he participated in Air Force ROTC and obtained his private pilot certificate. After graduation he completed Air Force pilot training in Enid, OK, training in T-37 and T-38 jet aircraft. In 1975 he completed training to fly KC-135 refueling tankers at Castle AFB, which he flew out of Fairchild AFB and then Loring AFB until leaving the Air Force as aircraft commander in 1981. After leaving the service, Tom moved to Somerset, NJ where he began a career in Information Technology which lasted for almost 30 years, residing in Winston-Salem for the past 24 years. Tom had a passion for model trains, especially American Flyer, which he shared with his family and friend Mark. He recreated vintage 1950s train layouts under the Christmas tree. Another passion was carving treasured wooden Santas for family members each year. He always enjoyed carving with his new-found friends at carving club. He was a regular attendee of the Russian club at the Central Library. His interest in the Russian language began as a youth in church and continued through college. He was an avid reader, loved jazz music and his black Labrador Andy. Other interests included hiking, camping, hunting, skiing, ice skating, chess, photography, pottery, calligraphy, and drawing. Tom was always willing to lend a hand around his church and throughout his community. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, The Samaritan Inn, and the adult reading literacy program. He also completed three Tours to Tanglewood on Team Irene from St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, raising money for MS research. We will miss his kind heart and wry humor. He was handy, reliable, quiet, and laid back; Tom was the salt of the earth. Tom is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 36 years Marlene F. (nee Smith) and his cherished daughter Claire F. Druga; his beloved parents Michael and Kathryn Druga of Amherst, OH; his sisters Kathleen Northeim of Amherst, OH and Mary Janice Bourgon of La Quinta, CA; his brothers Dr. Donald of Lexington, MA, Robert and Richard of Amherst, OH and John of Charlotte, NC. He is preceded in death by his brother James Paul Druga. Donations in memory of Tom’s life may be made to the Building and Grounds Committee of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 2690 Fairlawn Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. Visitation with family is planned for 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, May 26, at Salem Funeral Services, 120 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com. Burial: Ridge Hill Memorial Park Address Amherst, OH "