Obituary for Edward Thomas Drahorad Jr.
Edward Thomas William Drahorad, Jr., "Dusty" age 77, passed away in the comfort of his own home while surrounded by loving family on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.
Dusty was born in Mount Vernon, NY and had resided in Shamong and Tabernacle NJ, since 1978. Dusty worked as a printer and took great pride in his work and loved his profession. His skills were known throughout the industry and he ended moving the family from Massachusetts where he worked for Spencer Press to New Jersey after being recruited by Thomason Press. After he retired, he worked as a driver for Pep Boys and with his gregarious nature, he made many friends at work and along his routes.
Dusty was an avid bowler, having bowled at Medford Bowling Lanes over a 20 year span where he even bowled a perfect 300 game and won many championships with his team. Amazingly, even after losing much of his eyesight, he continued to bowl maintaining a high average. He also had a fond appreciation for the outdoors and wildlife, spending countless hours in the Pine Barrens with his dogs, hiking and taking photos. In his younger years, Dusty played in a hockey league and was a loyal New York Rangers fan. He never missed watching a game. He loved all animals, never turning away an animal in need and despite his feigned protests about not wanting another pet, many rescue animals ended up rehabilitated and happy with a forever home with Dusty. His dogs Bitsy and Rainman are now comforting him in Heaven. The pets he left behind, his Arab horse Sha-rah, who he called his "pet horse" and his little dog Pudge gave him comfort in his final days. Dusty was a lover of music and Broadway, a classic car and motorcycle enthusiast and a backyard mechanic, all traits he passed on to his daughters. Dusty loved riding his motorcycle around town visiting friends and going on poker runs. But above all, he cherished his family and friends and will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind.
Dusty is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lucille Drahorad (nee Catalano); daughters, Lisa (James) and Laura (Ralph); Michael Mullen who was like a son to him; sister, Barbara Roppolo; grandchildren, Elena, whom he lovingly referred to as Sugar Pie Honey Bunch and he loved watching her dance recitals; Allison, he fondly called Yoose and he was so proud of her athleticism in soccer; Ian earned the nickname Zip after the song Zip-a-dee-doo-dah and he couldn’t wait to share the news and clips when Ian would film an acting job; the youngest baby Ava born in September 2019 gave him much joy.
At the request of the family, funeral arrangements will be private. Memorial contributions in Dusty's name may be made to Forgotten Angels Equine Rescue at 288 Hartford Road, Medford, NJ 08055
Dusty was born in Mount Vernon, NY and had resided in Shamong and Tabernacle NJ, since 1978. Dusty worked as a printer and took great pride in his work and loved his profession. His skills were known throughout the industry and he ended moving the family from Massachusetts where he worked for Spencer Press to New Jersey after being recruited by Thomason Press. After he retired, he worked as a driver for Pep Boys and with his gregarious nature, he made many friends at work and along his routes.
Dusty was an avid bowler, having bowled at Medford Bowling Lanes over a 20 year span where he even bowled a perfect 300 game and won many championships with his team. Amazingly, even after losing much of his eyesight, he continued to bowl maintaining a high average. He also had a fond appreciation for the outdoors and wildlife, spending countless hours in the Pine Barrens with his dogs, hiking and taking photos. In his younger years, Dusty played in a hockey league and was a loyal New York Rangers fan. He never missed watching a game. He loved all animals, never turning away an animal in need and despite his feigned protests about not wanting another pet, many rescue animals ended up rehabilitated and happy with a forever home with Dusty. His dogs Bitsy and Rainman are now comforting him in Heaven. The pets he left behind, his Arab horse Sha-rah, who he called his "pet horse" and his little dog Pudge gave him comfort in his final days. Dusty was a lover of music and Broadway, a classic car and motorcycle enthusiast and a backyard mechanic, all traits he passed on to his daughters. Dusty loved riding his motorcycle around town visiting friends and going on poker runs. But above all, he cherished his family and friends and will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind.
Dusty is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lucille Drahorad (nee Catalano); daughters, Lisa (James) and Laura (Ralph); Michael Mullen who was like a son to him; sister, Barbara Roppolo; grandchildren, Elena, whom he lovingly referred to as Sugar Pie Honey Bunch and he loved watching her dance recitals; Allison, he fondly called Yoose and he was so proud of her athleticism in soccer; Ian earned the nickname Zip after the song Zip-a-dee-doo-dah and he couldn’t wait to share the news and clips when Ian would film an acting job; the youngest baby Ava born in September 2019 gave him much joy.
At the request of the family, funeral arrangements will be private. Memorial contributions in Dusty's name may be made to Forgotten Angels Equine Rescue at 288 Hartford Road, Medford, NJ 08055