Michael Joseph Drulis, Sr.'s Obituary
Michael J. Drulis, Sr., of Lewes, DE, passed away suddenly near his home on Monday, December 5, 2022. Born on July 13, 1950, in Philadelphia, PA to Mary and Joseph Drulis Sr., he attended Notre Dame High School in Lawrence Township, NJ, where he was a three-sport star athlete and a member of the National Honor Society. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Delaware where he joined the Theta Chi fraternity and met the love of his life, Diane Okonowicz. They married in 1972, then moved to Dover, Delaware in 1978, where, with Diane’s mother (Theresa Okonowicz), they would spend the next 20+ years raising a family and building lasting relationships in the community.
Above all things, he cherished spending time with his family and friends, whether it was relaxing at the beach, watching a ballgame, or a night of board games that promised to deliver laughs. He also enjoyed his long walks and bike rides through Sussex County, following his Fightin’ Blue Hens, Fighting Irish, Phillies, Flyers, and Cardinal’s football (going back to the St. Louis days). A supporter of the arts and an Army Dad, Mike always showed a deep devotion to God and country.
He is preceded in death by Diane Drulis, his beloved wife of 36 years. He is survived by his sister, Mary Beth Zagorzycki (Peter) of Winter Haven, FL; his brother, Joseph Drulis Jr. (Kathy) of Ewing Township, NJ; his son, Michael Drulis, Jr. (Emily) of Seattle, WA; and his daughter, Autumn Schneider (John) of Lewes, DE, as well as nine nieces and nephews. He never missed an opportunity to dote on his three precious grandchildren: Dru, Natalie, and Joel.
Known to many as “Pop,” “Pop D”, “Pop Pop”, “Big Mike” or “Drubs”, Mike will always be remembered for his selfless love, quiet strength, tight spiral, and bottomless compassion.
Friends may call on Thursday, December 8, 2022, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022, at 10:30 AM at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE. Burial will take place on Friday, December 9, at 2:00 PM at Sharon Hills Odd Fellows Cemetery, 35 Rising Sun Road, Camden, DE.
Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Gary Sinise Foundation , PO Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA · 91365 (https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/) or to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/).
Please visit Mr. Drulis’ tribute page and sign his virtual guestbook.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022 AT OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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