John "Scott" Droege

John "Scott" Droege October 30, 1959 - May 3, 2016 “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” ― Hunter S. Thompson Scott Droege was a rock. Just as a rock can be used to lay the foundation of a house: he was the foundation of our home. He was true to his family and friends and no one ever doubted that he would help when asked or if he meant what he said. Anytime someone was in need he was there with a listening ear, a helpful hand, some comic relief, or words of wisdom. He was true to those who knew him one hundred percent. Much like a rock is steadfast and unwavering: so was Scott. Wherever he went he carried an air of confidence. His confidence seemed to stem from the fact that he, not only knew who he was, but also knew who he wasn’t. He knew what he stood for and what he didn’t, and he would fight for what he believed was right. And much like a rock is sculpted by wind and water: so was Scott. He had a passion for the winds and a desire for the oceans that ran deep within him. At the end of one of his favorite movies it is said, “We all come from the sea, but we are not all of the sea. Those of us who are, we children of the tides, must return to it again and again, until the day we don't come back leaving only that which was touched along the way." Scott Droege touched many hearts on the journey of life. He was a special person with a special heart, and he was truly OF the sea. But more than anything else he was a loving father, husband, brother and son. Scott Droege was born in Tampa, FL on October 30, 1959. From November 1978-November 1979 Scott sailed from Tampa, FL to Tonga, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. He was married Easter Sunday, April 3, 1983 to Denise Condon. Scott graduated from Flagler College in April 1984 with a degree in Accounting, and also became a licensed realtor. He was hired as an accountant for Northrop Grumman in 1985 and later became an Information Systems Project Manager. In July of 1990, Scott used his CPR skills to resuscitate a 14 year-old boy who had been struck by lightning while setting up a tent for a camping trip at Table Rock Mountain, NC. From 1996 until 2004 he coached youth soccer for the Ancient City Soccer Club. Scott Droege, age 56, passed away unexpectedly at his home in St. Augustine on May 3 2016. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Denise Droege; sons, Dylan and Derek Droege; mother, Lois Droege and brother, Mike Droege. He is preceded in death by his father, Frederick Droege. A celebration of Scott’s life will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Conch House. In lieu of flowers, donations in Scott’s memory can be made to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Attn: Development Office, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 https://mote.org/support/memorials-tributes