Walter A. Drusedum | 1931 – 2024 | Obituary
Celebration of Life
Saturday, Mar 1, 2025
11:00 AM
Walter A. Drusedum
February 6, 1931 – November 26, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing on 26 November 2024 of Walter A. Drusedum of Lansdale, PA. He was 93 years old.
Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Albert E. and Marion B. Drusedum. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth S. Drusedum, while on duty as a police officer in Lansdale. They were married for 69 years until Betty’s passing on Christmas Day last year. He will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
When he was in 11th grade, Walt joined the Naval Reserve with his older brother, John. The Monday after he graduated from Hatfield High School, he was told to report to the Naval Recruiting office at 8:30am where he was given a train ticket for the 11am train to Chicago and boot camp. He was eventually stationed in Rhode Island at Quonset Point Naval Air Station and assigned to the Photography Division which had been his goal when he enlisted. Photography would have an important place in his life both professionally and as a hobby. He was stationed on the USS Midway during the Korean War working on the flight deck. During that time he had the opportunity to cruise the Mediterranean and experience post-war Italy and France up close.
After being discharged, he returned to Lansdale and joined the Lansdale Police Department. He and Betty married and moved into their home of 67 years where they raised their five children and provided a home to others in need over the years. Walt rose to the rank of sergeant and was the official police photographer for many years during which he had the opportunity to study at the Kodak Institute in Rochester. He was also an expert marksman and won many trophies for his shooting ability. During his time as a police officer he saw a lot of the good and bad in people, but never lost his faith in their inherent goodness. He always thought of himself as a Peace Officer first, and then a police officer.
After retiring from the police force, Walt worked at local businesses in Lansdale and remained an active member of the community. He was involved with the North Penn YMCA Men’s Club and the North Penn Baseball League. In addition to serving as a Board Member and President of the North Penn Symphony Orchestra, he took pride in providing the realistic cannon accompaniment for their performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.
An active member at Montgomery Baptist Church, and later First Baptist Church – Lansdale, you could always find Walt in the kitchen running the dishwasher. He enjoyed walking, woodworking, traveling, breakfast with the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating
Out) and participating in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered by many who loved him for his perfectly timed “dad” jokes, his calm demeanor, sense of humor, cookies, an amazing whistling ability and his love of singing, even if the song was out of season.
Walt was a man of deep faith who walked the talk everyday and always had a ready smile and a “howdy do” for everyone who crossed his path. He showed us how to be generous and loving to all by being there when you needed him – even if you weren’t aware that you needed him – without expecting anything in return.
A celebration of his life will be held in the Community Center at Foulkeways at Gwynned 1 March 2025 at 11:00 am.
Memorial donations can be made to Foulkeways at Gwynned Stewardship FundSERVICES
Celebration of Life
Saturday, March 01, 2025
11:00 AM Community Center at Foulkeways at Gwynned