Edward H. Drelinger

SHREWSBURY - Ed Drelinger would tell his family and friends in later years, ‘It’s been a great ride’. He worked hard and enjoyed the fruits of his labors all the while mindful of life’s blessings. His love for family was always evident. Unwavering, unconditional and with a generous heart Ed gave of his time and was always willing to help. He was kind, humble and thankful beyond words. 

It was 1967 when Ed and Jeanne met where Ed was tending bar and the two became fast friends. Little did they know that in a few short years they would become each other's love of their life.  They married on February 8,1970 at Temple Emmanuel in Worcester and began their wonderful life together. At the cornerstone of everything was their deep abiding and steadfast love for each other. It remained the centerpiece of their life that truly made it a great ride.

Ed treasured time with family and friends at his much-loved Corporation Beach in Dennis on his beloved Cape Cod. It afforded him welcomed time at the ocean in the salt water and while on the sand he basked in the sun and company of good people. He also loved annual Father’s Day reunions, clambakes and scuba-diving.

Ed and his brother, Joe owned and operated the well-known and respected Drelinger Building and Decorating business for over 50 years. Working side by side, often more than a five-day work week, their name is synonymous with quality, good craftsmanship and product. Ed, the carpenter and Joe, the paint and wallpaper guy, have their literal handprints over countless homes and projects in Shrewsbury and Worcester County. Whether remodeling or building a beautiful new home, their expertise was unmatched. The unwelcomed pandemic encouraged them both to put the hammers, power tools, paintbrushes and blueprints down professionally and take some time to enjoy the downtime…and they did. Ed and Jeanne moved full-time to their home in Dennis. It was a great ride.

Anyone that knew Ed knows his love for animals. His former home on Grove Street was an oasis where animals of all kinds, stray or other, found a good yard, home and place for which to be cared. He bred, trained, showed and owned countless Doberman Pinscher dogs and spearheaded and served as head trainer the Shrewsbury Dog Training Program. 

Ed died Sunday, March 3, 2024 after an illness. He was 77. It was a great ride! 

Edward H. Drelinger was born January 28, 1947 in Worcester a son of the late Harold and Loretta (Ciarfella) Drelinger. Raised in Worcester he was a graduate of North High School. Once married and after a short time in Northborough they made Shrewsbury their much-loved home. 

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Jeanne, he leaves his daughters, Amy S. Drelinger of Worcester and Jill K. Walpole of Marlborough; his grandchildren, Kyle Drelinger and Katelyn Cormier; his brothers, Joseph E. Drelinger (Constance) of Holden and Robert W. Drelinger (Cynthia) of Worcester and brother of the late Rose Marie Hodgson (late Jay) and the late Nancy Shippole; also survived by his in-laws, Bruce and Patricia Webber of Shrewsbury; many nieces and nephews. 
 
Family and friends will honor and remember Edward’s life by gathering for visitation on Saturday, March 9^th in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, SHREWSBURY from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by his funeral Mass celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

Expressions of sympathy in Ed’s name may be made to MSPCA Angel, 350 South Huntington Street, Boston, MA 02130 or https://www.mspca.org/medical-centers/angell-animal-medical-center-boston or Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500 Chicago, Illinois 60611.