Obituary of Nelson T. Drew

Nelson (Neltz) T. Drew, a longtime resident of Schuylerville, passed away peacefully at Glens Falls Hospital in Glens Falls, NY on February 8, 2013 at the age of 95. Born January 30, 1918 in Victory Mills, NY, Neltz was the 8th and last child of Edward Francis Drew and Georgianna LeFebvre Drew. After his marriage to Mildred Curtis in 1939, Neltz established his home and family in Schuylerville. In 1943, Neltz served his country aboard the U.S. Navy destroyer, Champlin. As a radar operator, he saw active duty in both the European and Pacific theaters. Neltz was a good man – honest, loyal, hard-working, and responsible. These character traits were forged during difficult growing up years and the hard times of the Depression. Upon graduation from high school, Neltz obtained full time employment at the Oneida Markets grocery store in Schuylerville. The store flourished under Neltz’s management. It became the first in the chain of stores to have self-service and the first to have a frozen food section. Because many housewives did not have cars for shopping, Neltz initiated a very successful service of delivering “phoned in” grocery orders to village households. Soon, the Schuylerville Oneida Markets became the most profitable store of the grocery chain. Neltz’s business career with Oneida Markets spanned 36 years, during which time he provided employment for many of Schuylerville’s youth, and developed a valuable work ethic in future generations. Neltz valued his place within the Schuylerville community; he appreciated and enjoyed his friendships; and he found his life’s satisfaction in his home, family, and work. Nelz is survived by his children, Barbara (Tom) Ryan of Queensbury, NY, Marilyn (Ken) Beilstein of Essex,VT, Nancy Novak of Clarksburg, MD, Richard (Cathy) Drew of Schuylerville; 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11:30am Thursday, February 14, 2013 at Notre Dame-Visitation Church in Schuylerville with Rev. Martin Fisher officiating. Spring burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Schuylerville. Friends may call on Thursday from 9-11am at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville, NY 12871. The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Mihindu and staff at the Glens Falls Renal Center and the staff at the Critical Care Unit at Glens Falls Hospital. Memorials can be made in his memory to Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville, NY 12871 or Notre Dame-Visitation Church, 18 Pearl St., Schuylerville, NY 12871.