Obituary of Joseph J. Druding

Joseph J. Druding, 74, of Medford, New Jersey passed away on August 22, 2019. Although determined and always maintaining a positive attitude and good sense of humor, he lost his fight to survive pancreatic cancer. Born on August 12, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Helen J. Druding (Donnelly) and James G. Druding.

Joe grew up in Atco, NJ and served as an altar boy at Assumption Church. After graduating from Camden Catholic High School, he attended Rutgers University in Camden and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor in Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Rutgers University New Brunswick Campus.

Joe spent most of his working career as a field engineer for General Electric Company (Power Services). As a Specialist in GE mechanical and electrical control systems he worked for many years doing combustion turbine installation and maintenance. He was well regarded by his peers for his knowledge, expertise, and especially his good humor. In recognition of his work ethic, Joe was elected to GE’s Field Engineer’s Hall of Fame. In 1991 he received the prestigious “Certificate of Membership to the Academy of Gas Turbine Constructors in Recognition and Appreciation of Outstanding Contributions to the Power Generation Industry”. He loved his work and always said he had the best job at GE. His job allowed him to defer his overtime and spend many summer months participating in motor sport track events. He retired from GE in 2006.

Joe was an avid race car enthusiast and has been a member of the Porsche Club of America (PCA) since 1975. He owned and raced several cars of his own participating in events at many tracks (e.g. Mid-Ohio; Watkins Glen, NY; Pocono Raceway, PA; NJ Motor Sports Park, Millville, NJ; Lime Rock, CT; and Joe’s all-time favorite he called a “real race track” Summit Point, WV). As a nationally trained driving instructor for PCA, he taught many students in race car driving and driving instruction. He was also a member of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) since 1979.

Meeting with college buddies at a different diner on Wednesday mornings for breakfast, Joe looked forward to “solving world problems” with them. Joe also enjoyed breakfast at the Marlton Diner sitting at the counter socializing with friends and employees. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Marlene Druding (Atkociunas), one brother, James Druding and his wife Barbara Druding.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 29th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Assumption Church – Christ the Redeemer parish at 318 Carl Hasselhan Drive, Atco, NJ 08004. The visitation will be followed by a Catholic mass beginning at 11:00 am.

The interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joseph J. Druding may be made to the charity of your choice or in support of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health. Please make checks payable to Jefferson, note “memorial-name” in the memo line and mail to “Office of Institutional Advancement, 125 South 9th Street, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19107.