Albert J. Dreven
...WWII Veteran & Retired Mason at Ft. Devens; 93
LOWELL - Albert J. Dreven, age 93, a retired civil employee of Fort Devens in Ayer, died Sunday, March 25, at the Fairhaven Healthcare Center in Lowell. He was born, July 5, 1918 in Lawrence, one of three children of the late Charles and Mary (Janulis) Dreven.
He had lived his entire life in the same family home in Lowell. Following his education in the Lowell School System, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent service time in Germany, and Normandy, France. During the D-Day Normandy landings he was part of the second wave to land on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. He was a marksman rifleman assigned to Company A in the 45th Division of the 179th Infantry Regiment. While in his service years he received a good conduct medal, several campaign medals and one Victory Medal. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked as a precision milling machine operator at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford Connecticut, and later worked producing steel artillery at the Watertown Arsenal. He went on to become a stone mason at Fort Devens in Ayer retiring in 1984, after 30 years of service. He was also a member of the now closed St. Joseph’s Lithuanian Church in Lowell as well as the National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association. In his retirement years he loved to be outdoors and was always seen working in or around the family home. He enjoyed traveling with friends but more than anything else enjoyed his time spent in the sun while in Hampton, NH and Salisbury beach. Albert was well known for his quick wit and sense of humor, and always had a joke to tell. He often credited his longevity to his combination of drinking Moxie soda, staying active and chewing snuff.
He is survived by his partner of many years Ann M. Beauks of Auburn, and his good friend and dedicated caregiver Jason C. Vinas of Lowell.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Agnes Dreven, and Elizabeth Deputat, and brother-in-law Joseph Deputat.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated in Holy Family Parish at St. Marie Church, burial followed at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. Memorial donations to Holy Family Parish at St. Marie Church, 75 Chamberlain St., Lowell, MA 01852, are appreciated.