John A. Droter, DDS - Obituary

ohn A. Droter, 83, of Fort Washington, MD, peacefully passed away on July 25, 2017 after a year-long struggle with cancer. Born on Feb. 4, 1934 in McKees Rocks, PA, he was son of the late John and Anna (Hrebenak) Droter and was preceded in death by his younger brother, James. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Hildegard (Rosenberger) Droter; children, Dr. John R. of Annapolis; Dr. Joseph E. and wife, Anne Wallis of Richmond; Linda D. and husband Jim Bailey of Edgewater; Jim and wife, Jennifer of Lititz, PA; grandchildren Caitlin Bailey and Joseph W., Leah, Elizabeth and Anna Droter; and nephew, James Lautenschlager. A self-made man, Dr. Droter attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating first in his School of Dentistry class, then served in the U.S. Air Force. His private dental practice pioneered in-office sedation dentistry. He embraced every opportunity to fish, play poker, golf, play guitar, pick hard crabs and ski with family and friends; his legendary devotion to skiing continued to age 78! A devoted family patriarch, “Poppy” was an enthusiastic storyteller with a contagious smile and an easy laugh. He said his greatest achievements were his family and dental practice. A memorial mass will be held at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Saturday, August 12 at 1pm with a reception immediately following at the Droter family home. Memorial donations may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.