Captain John Michael Drustrup, USN, known to his friends as Mick, of Upper Black Eddy, Bridgetown Township, PA, died on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at his home. He was 85.

Mick’s roots in Upper Black Eddy run deep.  His grandfather, Niels Drustrup, purchased “The Farm” in 1929, after serving in the Navy, where he was awarded the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.  His father, Admiral Norm Drustrup, served in the Navy as well and Mick grew up living in many different locations, but the farm was always home for his family.

Mick graduated from the Naval Academy in 1961.  He received a master’s degree in Oceanography from the US Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA.  While in the Navy, he served in the submarine service and had command of the USS Salmon.  He was proud to be a submariner and often commented that, “there are two types of ships in the Navy:  Submarines and targets.”

After retirement from a 32-year career, he worked for several defense contractors: Westinghouse, Northrop Grumman, and EMS Development Corporation, as President.  In 2002, he retired to his beloved farm in Upper Black Eddy with his high-school sweetheart, Linda.

Mick’s interests were copious.  He traveled extensively, loved sailing, riding his Harley, reading novels and history and enjoying a bourbon and cigar with his dog from his back porch. He was known by everyone for his stories and hearty laughter and warm hospitality.  An active conservationist, he served as President of the Friends of the Delaware Canal.   But Mick was happiest on the farm with family near and far, coming and going.  You could often see him riding his tractor over the property with his great-grandson on his lap. 

Mick is survived by his wife, Linda, his son, Michael, of Upper Black Eddy, his daughter, Julie, of Upper Black Eddy and his daughter, Susie, of Valencia, California.  In addition to their families, his large, extended family included three grandchildren, Kristen, Eli, and Reilly and their families, three great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and partners.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring at the farm and will be announced later.  For anyone who would like to be notified, please leave your contact information on the tribute  wall at www.johnsonwalton.com.  His internment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name be sent to Friends of the Delaware Canal, 145 South Main Street, New Hope, PA  18938 or at  www.fodc.org.