Mr. Calvin Norman Drew Sr.

Calvin Norman Drew, Sr., age 87, a resident of Humboldt, Tennessee, and formerly a longtime resident of Montclair, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 2, 2025, with his wife by his side. Calvin was born in Morristown, New Jersey, on December 23, 1937, to the late Wesley and Bettie Ermitt (Morgan) Drew. He was raised in Montclair and attended Montclair Public Schools, graduating from Montclair High School with the Class of 1956. Calvin was a U.S. Army veteran, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. During his service, he earned the Parachutist Badge, signifying his completion of airborne training and qualification as a paratrooper. Calvin furthered his education at the McAllister School of Embalming. He began his mortuary career with L.L. Taylor Funeral Home in Morristown and Vauxhall, New Jersey. In his younger years, Calvin also worked as a longshoreman (Local No. 1533) in Newark, New Jersey. He was a longtime member of Union Baptist Church in Montclair, Calvin served in many capacities, including Chairman of the Trustee Board. Calvin owned and operated Drew Funeral Homes in Montclair, Newark, Vauxhall and Morristown, New Jersey, for over 45 years. He considered it a true calling and honor to serve those communities, his family and friends during their most difficult times. His deep sense of purpose in funeral service was one he proudly passed down to his children, all of whom have followed in his footsteps and worked in the funeral industry. Calvin served as Past President of the Garden State Funeral Directors Association (GSFDA) and was a member of both the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association (NJSFDA) and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). Outside of his professional life, Calvin was deeply involved in community and fraternal organizations. He served as a board member of the Union Development Corporation, overseeing the Matthew G. Carter Apartments in Montclair, where he once held the position of Vice President. Calvin was a Past Worshipful Master of Eureka Lodge No. 52 in Montclair and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Sardonias Consistory No. 41 and Golconda Temple No. 24 Shriners in Newark, New Jersey. Calvin found great joy in his many affiliations and treasured the relationships he built throughout his years of service. His longest and dearest commitment was to The Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (IBPOEW). His involvement began over 60 years ago as a member of George E. Cannon Elks Lodge No. 585 in Vauxhall, New Jersey. Over the decades, Calvin served in numerous leadership roles, including Past Exalted Ruler of George E. Cannon Elks Lodge No. 585, Past Chief Antler of Council No. 121, New Jersey State Treasurer Emeritus, Grand Commissioner of Beauty & Talent, and most recently, as Grand Lodge Treasurer-a position he proudly held until his passing. Calvin is survived by his wife, Stephanie Drew; his children, Calvin (Patricia) Drew, Dwayne (Trina) Drew, Monica (fiancé Stanley Southall) Sadler and Morgan Drew; daughter-in-law Andrea Drew; eight grandchildren, Norma, Joshua, Tyler, Jamie, Imani, Wesley, Austin, and Miles; three great-grandchildren Iman-Ali, Iyaan and Emeri. He is also survived by his foster daughters, Chantá Williams-Pelham and Tiesha (Antonio) Puryear-Robinson; his sister Nancy McDuffie and Lemuel (Jackie) Blackwell. He leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and other beloved relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Bettie Ermitt Drew; stepmother Margaret Drew; sons, Todd Drew and Paul Drew; grandson David Drew; and his brother Howard (Mattile) Drew. A visitation will be held in Tennessee on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Lane Chapel CME Church, 1197 Gibson Wells Road, Humboldt, TN 38343. In New Jersey, a visitation will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:45 a.m. at Union Baptist Church, 12 Midland Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at the church. The service will be available via Livestream on the church’s website. Interment will immediately follow the service at Rosedale Cemetery, Montclair, NJ.

Mr. Calvin Norman Drew Sr.

December 23, 1937 - October 2, 2025