Edward "Eddie" Drumstas Obituary (1969

Edward D. Drumstas, lovingly known as Eddie to family and dear friends. Peacefully passed away on August 8, 2025 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital surrounded with the love of his daughter and close friends. He fought a difficult courageous battle with lung cancer. Born on June 23, 1969 to Diane (nee: Beletsky) and the late Joseph Drumstas, and has been a big part of our 2St neighborhood and our Mummers community. He worked as an employee of the Philadelphia Housing Authority and enjoyed doing many remodeling projects in his spare time. Over his tenure, Eddie held various officer positions for the Saturnalians NYA including Vice President under our passed President, Franny Casper which brought the organization great success and growth during that time. Eddie was the ultimate "club guy". His attitude was always positive with the "we can do this" attitude. He was a student of the hobby and was mentored by some of the greats like Billy Copes and Ed Farmer on costume and backpiece production. A skill that he mastered and took much pride in. He made our captains shine even brighter on New Year's Day with creative, unique design and construction. It was always a sight to see the final product of what Eddie was working on traditionally starting on Christmas night. He was the "go to guy" in crunch time when it would seem like time was running out the idea of the job would not get finished for New Year's Day. Among many other quotes, Eddie coined the phrase, "Plenty of time" referring to the work load. It would provide a sense of calmness when the captain and members were getting a little anxious. Everyone knew if Eddie said it would get done, it would be done to perfection. "The Garage" was Eddie's paradise. Through the many years of an organization members come and go and the work that is needed to build massive production increases every year. Fortunately for the Sats, the garage crew has a tight bond that has been working as a team for many years. That is where the ideas come to life and Eddie's vision was on display. That team was something Eddie really took pride in and defended graciously of his closest friends. . When it wasn't "mum season" , Eddie was a constant presence in our club house assisting and directing with fundraisers, building maintenance and renovations. When the parade was canceled 2021, the club decided it was a good time to give the building a new look. Eddie took the lead and for 3 months volunteered every spare minute to make "the best clubhouse on the street!" Again, a job that the membership knew would be done to the finest detail. Another job well done by our main man. Eddie had other passions like his love of rock and roll and shooting darts in various leagues. He had a presence at the dart matches to say the least. His desire to win and compete was usually heard from across the room providing laughter and enjoyment to other players and patrons but not so much for the other team. He enjoyed the camaraderie and competition and no one had the wit and timing of a "one-liner" quite like Eddie. Eddie will be greatly missed by the membership and fellow mummers but we will be reminded everyday of the lasting impression he has made on our club just by looking at our success on our walls, watching some parade tapes and telling the many stories of the great times we have shared. His passion was unmatched, his dedication was unwavered, and his friendship was one of incredible strength and support. A true Mummer. Edward also was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan and enjoyed watching Sunday games at the club. He was a Hall of Famer for the Saturnalian Club as well as of the Mummers Museum Veterans Hall of Fame. Also he took great pride in being Lithuanian. He was preceded in death by his dear brother John. Eddie was the proud doting father to his beloved little girl Katherine "Katie" Drumstas; brother of Carol Drumstas and dearest boyfriend to Allison Campbell. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation Wednesday eve from 7-9pm and again on Thursday morning from 8:30-10:10am at the Murphy Ruffenach Brian W Donnelly Funeral Home, 3rd & Wolf Sts. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Burial will follow in SS: Peter & Paul Cemetery. Memorial donations in his memory can be made to Mummers Against Cancer Foundation (MummersAgainstCancer.org)