Obituary of Thomas W. Drybred

Thomas William Drybred, 64, of Elizabethtown, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.  Born November 27, 1957, he was the son of the late Lawrence G., Jr. and Patricia A. (Williams) Drybred,

Tom was a graduate of Elizabethtown High School and retired from the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Steelton, PA, where he worked as a shearman in the fabricating shop and as a material handler in the pipe division in the steelmaking department.  A committed Christian, Tom was a member of Christ Church United Church of Christ in Elizabethtown.

Tom loved the outdoors through wildlife watching, hunting, and fishing.  He enjoyed the birds and deer in his yard and making the trek to northern Pennsylvania to see elk during the fall.  In earlier years, he especially loved to hunt with his dad, brother, and friends in Fulton, Cameron, and Juniata counties.   He was expert at calling spring gobbler turkeys and enjoyed deer and bear season with his friends of the Whanita Hunting Lodge in Burnt Cabins, often called his second home.  

Tom adored English Springer Spaniels and was an avid Baltimore Oriole and St. Louis Cardinals fan.  His favorite musical group was the Trans-Siberian Orchestra whom he went to see every Christmas Season. As his mobility became challenged in recent years, he enjoyed visiting with friends at his favorite restaurants, including Country Meadows in Elizabethtown and Mangia Mangia in Hershey.

He was a devoted son to his parents, caring for them through long-term illnesses.

His devoted belief in God allowed him confidence and bravery as he entered a high-risk surgery at Cleveland Clinic.  Tom’s last words prior to surgery proved that he loved his family and friends.

He is survived by a sister Amy L. Goodall (Paul B.) of Harrisonburg, VA; a brother. Lawrence G. Drybred, of Palmyra, PA; and his dog and close companion, Jaxon, now cared for by Tom’s loving friends Dave and Amy Longenecker.  He is also survived by many dear friends, including Keenan Price, Lisa Heilner, Michelle Benedict, Tom Getty, and Leonard Jeffers, all of Elizabethtown.

The family expresses deep appreciation to Margie Trefz of Middletown, Sally Capp of Elizabethtown, and David and Tierney Abel of Elizabethtown for their outstanding support to Tom and his family over the past years.

A memorial service will be held on Friday morning, July 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Christ Church United Church of Christ, 247 South Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.  Interment will follow the service at Mount Tunnel Cemetery in Elizabethtown.  There will be no viewing.  The family will receive guests at the church on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service and again during a luncheon at the church immediately following the graveside service.  If desired, contributions may be made in his memory to Christ Church UCC or to Northwest EMS, 380 West Bainbridge Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.  To express a condolence with the family or to watch a webcast beginning the day following the service, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.