Frank “George” Droste, 90, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at his residence surrounded by several family members. He was born on November 13, 1930, in Bronx, N.Y., to Frank and Frances Zimmermann Droste.
He grew up in Germany during WWII and returned to the United States when he was 17. He served our country in the Army during the Korean War as a member of the 10th Mountain Division, “Climb to Glory.” His most recent proud “Military Moment” was learning his great grandson Nick Dudzinski will graduate from the United States Military Academy, West Point, in May 2021 and will be stationed in Germany.
George was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and great grandfather.
He was an entrepreneur who explored many businesses, including tool and die maker, hotel owner, and real estate broker. George and his wife Frances enjoyed refurbishing homes and he was a superb creative handyman. He loved good food, especially his wife’s cooking, as well as chocolate and ice cream. Lady was his favorite name for his dogs and his dogs always ate well around George at dinnertime. He could recently be seen carving a ham for latest the “Lady.” He loved his family and was an incredibly involved grandfather, traveling up and down the East Coast to go to any event the children were involved in. He loved to travel — by car — and the faster the better. He was so excited to drive to the DMV and renew his license at the age of 90.
He was loved by his family and will be deeply missed.
In addition to his parents and sister, Margaret Massi, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Maria Droste, in 1983 and his second wife, Frances Droste in 2020.
He is survived by his children, Rosemarie Dudzinski, Frank Droste (Sandra), George Droste (Patricia), Anne Savage (Bob), Michael Oliva, Christine Tucker (Greg), Kim Dutkoski (Michael), and Christopher Oliva; brother, Ralph Droste; sister, Ingrid Schaffer; grandchildren, Joe Dudzinkski, James Droste , Ernie Franken, Tim Franken, Sandra Franken, Sara Franken, Ryan McDonald (Amanda), Michael Joseph Oliva, Jeremy Dutkoski (Morgan), Katlin Oliva, Bobby Savage, Mary Lewis (Sean), Catharine Savage, Joseph Oliva, Amanda Oliva, Paul Savage, Dana Oliva, John Dutkoski, Matthew Oliva, Nina Oliva, Anthony Oliva, and Randall Tucker; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Dudzinski, Camille McDonald, Colton McDonald, Madelin Scott Johansen, Logan Lewis, and Callie Lewis.
Viewing and services will be held Monday February 15, 2020, at St. Therese Church, Mooresville, N.C.
Viewing will be at 10:30 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11 a.m. Due to COVID-19, the memorial mass will be held for George Droste and his wife Frances Droste, who departed July 15,2020.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Droste family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.