Richard Langdon Druckenmiller, born on May 11, 1952, in Johnstown, PA, passed away on July 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the cherished son of the late Robert Langdon and Elizabeth Ann Druckenmiller.
Fondly known as “Rick”, he was married to Florence Crooks, the mother of his children, for 31 years. He is survived by his older sister, Ann Miller; his children: Erin Druckenmiller, Matthew Druckenmiller and his wife Hyunjin Druckenmiller, Brian Druckenmiller, and Kaeli Newcomb and her husband Richard Newcomb. He was a devoted grandfather to four grandchildren: Elias Druckenmiller, Avery Druckenmiller, Ela Druckenmiller, and Nolan Newcomb.
Rick spent most of his life in the greater Williamsport, PA area, calling the beautiful mountains and farmlands of Rose Valley and Calvert home. Rick graduated from Millersville University with a BA in education and later furthered his studies with a MA in education from Wilkes University.
A master carpenter, Rick crafted exquisite homes across Lycoming and neighboring counties. He dedicated nearly three decades to teaching building construction technology at Pennsylvania College of Technology, where he earned the prestigious Master Teacher award in 2003 and retired at the rank of professor in 2016. His commitment to his students and colleagues fostered many life-long friendships.
A passionate fly fisherman, Rick treasured the streams of Pennsylvania, learning the art of fly fishing and fly tying from his father. Together, they often fished at Penn’s Creek, Slate Run, and other lesser-known Pennsylvania streams. Rick was also a skilled hunter, pursuing deer, turkey, and birds in Pennsylvania, and extending his love for hunting to the mountains and grasslands of Colorado and Wyoming where he sought elk, antelope, and mule deer.
Despite being a man of the mountains, Rick had a deep love for the ocean. He enjoyed beachcombing, surf fishing, and swimming beyond the breakers, with Barnegat Light, NJ being his favorite spot for bay fishing and Manasota Key, FL his winter escape for reflective walks on the beach.
He had a witty sense of humor, loved thought-provoking conversations, could always remember a good joke, and was great at card tricks. He made lasting friendships wherever he went. He valued precious time spent with his family whether it be a beach vacation, weekends at the family cabin when his kids were young, hunting and fishing with his sons, cruising around on his boat, or capturing a sunset over the mountains on his patio in Rose Valley.
His legacy of craftsmanship, dedication to education and carpentry, and love for wild places will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to have known him. He was a larger-than-life friend and teacher to so many, but above all, he was a proud father and grandfather. He took every opportunity to share the accomplishments of his children to anyone who would listen. His work ethic and love for nature will forever resonate through his children. Rick will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held at the Peter Herdic House Restaurant and Inn on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 1:00-4:00pm, with comments offered by family and close friends at 2:00pm. A prior private family gathering will be held at the Crouse Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial contribution to the UPMC Williamsport Inpatient Rehab Unit, c/o Richard Druckenmiller.
To share a memory or sign an online register book, please visit http://www.crousefuneralhome.com.
