#MiddleburyCT #Obituary
Loving husband, father, grandfather and brother
Joseph J. Drauss Jr., 74, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Waterbury Hospital. He was the loving husband of Susan (Brady) Drauss of 52 wonderful years.
Joe was born in Derby on April 13, 1949, a son of the late Joseph J. Sr. and Jane (Poirek) Drauss. Growing up in Derby, Joe attended St. Michael’s School and graduated from Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden. He then went on to honorably serve his country by joining the United States National Guard before furthering his education. Joe received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his master’s degree in business, both from the University of New Haven.
Throughout his career, Joe worked for various companies in the banking industry. Joe traveled all over the country, including Alaska, Hawaii, and various military bases, where he would convert banks into the modern era by installing computers and new technology as well as training banking staff to utilize the new age of banking. Being active in the Town of Middlebury, Joe served on the Board of Education for Region 15 for over 20 years, with 10 of those years being a chairperson. He also served on the planning and zoning commission as well as the board of finance, to which he was just recently re-elected.
Joe always enjoyed the outdoors and would often be found outside in his garden, where he would tend to various species of flowers, especially roses, vegetables, apple trees and butterfly gardens. He also loved watching his favorite team, UConn Women’s Basketball. Above everything else, nothing meant more to Joe than his family. He cherished the delightful 52 years he was married to his wife, and absolutely adored spending time with his grandchildren. Joe will be missed dearly by many.
Besides his beloved wife, Susan, of Middlebury, Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughter, Katharine “Kate” Drauss-McDaniel and her husband, Gregory McDaniel, of Middlebury, his two siblings, Mary Jane Drauss of Derby, John Drauss and his wife, Susan, of Florida, and his two beloved grandchildren, Alana Drauss-McDaniel and Aiden McDaniel, both of Middlebury.
Calling hours for Joe will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brookside Memorial, the Albini Family Funeral Home and Crematory at 200 Benson Road in Middlebury. Burial will be held privately at Lake Elise Cemetery in Middlebury with full military honors.
Memorial contributions can be made in Joe’s memory to: The Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, 65 Tucker Hill Road, Middlebury, CT 06762
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