Frank John Drehwing, 88, of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away on Feb. 4, 2023, peacefully at the home he loved in the Low Country, surrounded by family.
Frank was born on April 13, 1934, to Carl and Antoinette Drehwing in the Bronx, N.Y. After attending St. Helena’s elementary school, he attended and graduated from Fordham Prep High School. He always knew from a young age that he wanted to become an engineer, and worked nights to pay his way through Manhattan College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He later attended and graduated top of his class at Syracuse University with a master’s degree in sanitary engineering. Frank was proud to be a licensed professional engineer and kept his license current to present day.
While at St. Helena’s, Frank met his future wife Eileen and love of his life in a church group. They were married in 1958 just days after Frank’s graduation from Manhattan College and enjoyed a wonderful 64 years of marriage together.
Frank and Eileen moved to Cazenovia for his first engineering job. They had one daughter, Nancy, and lived in Cazenovia for 44 years. During this time, Frank was a founding member of the Cazenovia Country Club and served as member and president of the Cazenovia School Board for nearly a decade.
Over his distinguished career, Frank accrued more than 50 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering, including positions as vice president and senior vice president with nationally ranked firms O’Brien & Gere and Blasland, Bouck & Lee. During his career, Frank also designed and launched the research and laboratory division of O’Brien & Gere. He earned multiple awards in his industry, including the Water Pollution Control Federation Arthur Sydney Bedell Award and the New York Water Pollution Control Association John Chester Brigham Award. He further chaired the technology committee of the NYWPCA for 12 years.
Upon retiring to Hilton Head Island in 2002, Frank kept active in his community via his role as president of the Village North Association Board and served in an elected position as commissioner of the Hilton Head Public Service District No.1 for 17 years until November 2022.
Frank’s hobbies included golf, which he played with his wife and friends for many years (including hitting three holes-in-one,) the New York Times crossword puzzle (always in ink,) rooting for the New York Yankees and the Syracuse Orangemen and cooking. Frank was a lover of fine wine and dining, especially with family and friends. He was a man of deep faith, having been taught by Jesuits and relished conversation on intellectual and spiritual topics.
Frank was predeceased by his brother Carl (Chuck,) his father Carl, his mother Antoinette and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Martin and Veronica Rowland. He is survived by his treasured wife Eileen (Rowland,) his beloved daughter Nancy (Drehwing Edwards) Cronin and husband John, his adored granddaughter Kylie Edwards, his step-grandchildren Jessica, Erin and Seth, and nieces and nephews on both the Drehwing side of the family (Karen, Kristine, Karl, Kyle, Michael, Kurt, Kristopher, Douglas) and Rowland side of the family (Tara, Kevin, Christine and Christopher,) all of whom Frank was proud, always looking forward to seeing news of the latest new babies in the family.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Francis by the Sea on Hilton Head Island Monday, March 20, at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, or the MDS Foundation. Keithfuneral.com.
