Paul Dropp, 90, of Oxford, passed away peacefully May 5, 2022, at the Oxford Veteran’s Home. He was born on Peakes Brook in Delhi to the late John and Mary Dropp. He was predeceased by his devoted wife Helen, the mother of his children, and by his second wife Martha, who loved him dearly. Paul was the youngest of his siblings - Joe, Anna, Andy, John, Charlie, George, and Josephine, all of whom predeceased him.
He is survived by his daughters Maralena (Lyle Campbell) Dropp and Therese (Ted) Carey; stepdaughters Donna (John) Winterberger, Tami (Guy) Vandermark and Robin Linko; grandchildren Ashley (John), Erica, Christopher, Jenifer, Cheryl, Jeff, Erica (Robbie), Jimmy, and Stephanie (Phil), and great-grandchildren Tyler, Nathan, Alex, Eddie, Wyatt and Santino, along with several nieces and nephews.
After graduation from Delaware Academy, Paul joined the National Guard and then enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. Upon returning to DeLancey, he worked for Scintilla (Bendix) and drove tractor trailers to New York City. Paul accepted a position at IBM and retired as a cost engineer and member of the IBM Quarter Century Club.
During retirement he became an active member of the Oxford Fire Department, eventually serving as fire police captain. He traveled cross-country via tractor trailer and loved to talk about the adventures of those trips. Paul enjoyed being outdoors and often that involved a bulldozer, tractor, or dump truck. He liked spending time in the “sugar shack” making maple syrup. He often stopped to chat with friends and neighbors as he drove around Lake Gerry.
Paul’s home was always filled with music. When he played the organ or accordion, he would sing along with his rich, beautiful baritone voice. His children and grandchildren will forever think of him when they hear a polka or Strauss waltz. Above all, he loved and was devoted to his family who will remember him as a caring, loving Dad and Grandpa.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 12, at 11 a.m. at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main Street, Oxford, with Oxford Fire Chaplain Richard Howard officiating. Burial will follow in the Walton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Oxford Fire Department, PO Box 570, Oxford, NY 13830 or Oxford Emergency Squad, PO Box 172, Oxford, NY 13830.
Friends may call at Behe Funeral Home Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Family and friends may share their memories and condolences by at www.behefuneralhome.com.
