Philip E. Drugge, of The Villages, FL, passed away peacefully January 22nd after a prolonged illness. Nearly a lifelong resident of Stoughton, Philip was born in Milton, MA to Gustav E. and Ellen V. (Abrahamson) Drugge. The family moved to North Stoughton in 1942 where Philip and his family shared many happy memories.
Philip attended Stoughton Public Schools and later graduated from the Norfolk Agricultural High School (’58) in Walpole, MA. He was a past Master Councilor of the Ousamequin Chapter of DeMolay in Brockton, MA. Philip joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1958 where he served honorably for 11 years, rising to the rank of Sergeant. In recent years, he was active in the USMC League in The Villages, Florida. Philip received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education from Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts.
Many young lives were touched by Philip. He and his wife Doris were active youth advisors at the First Congregational Church where he also taught Sunday School. He is likely best remembered by Stoughton residents as the Scout Master of Troop 57. He was particularly proud of the 17 boys who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout during his ten year service to Scouting. His chosen profession was Vocational Education, first teaching Metal Fabrication at Bristol Plymouth High School in Taunton where he also coached the Boys Track Team. Following his time at “BP” he moved to Southeastern Regional Technical High School in Easton. Later, Philip left the classroom to spend many years as a school administrator filling the role of Assistant Principal. Additionally, Philip was an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts teaching courses in Vocational Teacher Certification.
An active runner in his younger years, he competed in many races including a Marathon. A passion for golf led him to his retirement home in The Villages, FL where he also enjoyed pitching competitive horseshoe pitching. When he was not tinkering with the 1939 FarmAll “A” tractor he restored or playing his Ukulele in a local group, he and Doris roamed around the country in their Airstream camper. Philip was especially proud of his Scandinavian heritage and many summers were spent at his family home in northern Sweden and he also served as President of the Stenkil Scandinavian Lodge in Braintree, MA.
An important part of Philip’s life was his commitment to his Masonic Duty. He rose to become the Worshipful Master of the Phoenix lodge A.F.& A.M. in Hanover, MA and also served as a Shriner.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Doris M (Lindelof) Drugge, brother Kent E Drugge and son Eric P Drugge. He was preceded in death by his sister Vera E (Drugge) Marshall and by his youngest son Craig E Drugge.
Services will be held Saturday, January 30th from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Sheehan Lowe and Powers Funeral Home in Stoughton followed by a Masonic Service. The family plans a private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 9 Erie Drive, Suite 101, Natick, MA 01760
