Shrewsbury/Falmouth – Willis E. Dryden Jr., 82, of Shrewsbury and Falmouth, passed away Dec. 12, 2020 due to complications from Parkinson’s. He passed away at home with his family by his side. He was born March 18, 1938 in Worcester and was raised in Southbridge, son of the late Willis E. Dryden and Bernice Congdon.
He graduated from Boys Trade School and WITI. He was a member of the US Naval Reserves for seven years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Shrewsbury.
Willis loved to travel with his wife. They traveled to many destinations including Bermuda, Ireland, Alaska, and London. They spent many winters in Indian Shores, Fla. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. He treasured his time with his family on Cape Cod.
Willis started his career in the electrical field for New England Power Service Company – a division of New England Electric System (NEES), which later became National Grid. He spent many of his first years as an electrician holding various titles. His ability to work well with and teach others promoted him to Management Supervisor of NEPSCo. Soon after, he became a Lead Supervisor and worked at many power plants throughout his career including Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant in New Hampshire, as the Lead Startup Supervisor for approximately 10 years. He also spent time at Brayton Point in Fall River, Rowe Yankee, Salem Harbor, and Manchester St. Re-Powering Plant in Rhode Island as well as numerous substations throughout New England. After retiring in 2005 from National Grid he returned to work at Brayton Point Power Plant until his official retirement at the age of 75.
During his many years working in his field, Willis made many friends. His dry sense of humor, loyalty to his family and work ethic were just a few of the qualities that gained him respect and loyalty from his peers.
He leaves his wife of 62 years, Maureen Carney; two sons, Willis E. Dryden III of Barre and Paul Dryden of Douglas; three daughters, Beth Dryden of Shrewsbury, Patricia Dryden-Shaker, and Ashraf Shaker of Shrewsbury, and Kelly Dryden-Jordan and Arthur Jordan of Cobleskill, New York. He leaves his grandchildren, Christopher Dryden of Burlington, Vt., Chelsea Jordan, of Charlotte, N.C., Felicia Jordan-McRee, and Seth McRee of New Bern, N.C., Malik Shaker of Shrewsbury, and Saharra Shaker of Brighton. He also leaves his sisters, Carol M. Dryden of Cape Coral, Fla. and Jean Dryden-Rebholtz and Scott Rebholtz of Cape Coral, Fla. He was predeceased by his brother, David E. Dryden; his grandson, Joshua Dryden; and his daughter-in-law, Patricia Dryden.
The family wishes to thank Fran Ouelette, Peter ONeil, and Tommy Ryan for their support, care, and friendship.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dr Enzinger’s Cancer Research Fund, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 (or via www.dana-farber.org/gift, specifying ‘Esophageal Cancer’ from the selection).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mr. Dryden’s family Friday, Dec. 19, from 4-8 p.m., at the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
