Dr. Harvey Drucker, 82, a longtime resident of Clarendon Hills, passed away May 6, 2023, at his home in Downers Grove, surrounded by his loving family.
Above all else, Harvey's life was defined by love and by the nearly 58-year marriage he shared with his wife, Betty.
Harvey was born in Chicago in 1941. His childhood was spent with his parents, brother George and sister Dianne, and a large and loving extended family made up of his grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins. While studying for his PhD in biochemistry and microbiology at the University of Illinois, Harvey met the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty," who he was wise enough to marry in 1965.
After graduation, Harvey and Betty relocated while he completed his post-doc at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. The couple then moved to Richland, Wash., where Harvey worked as division director of the biology department at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. While in Richland, Harvey and Betty welcomed their two daughters, Debra (Jared Young) Drucker and Sheri (Dan) Drucker Davis of Hinsdale.
The young family enjoyed life along the Columbia River until they returned to the Chicago area, where Harvey served as associate laboratory director for energy, environmental and biological research at Argonne National Laboratory. After 9/11, Harvey also served as director of Argonne's research and development effort for national security. A true patriot, Harvey used his scientific ability and knowledge to develop and implement technologies aimed at protecting the country from bioterrorism.
Harvey will be remembered by all who knew him for his brilliant mind, quick wit, and highly tuned moral compass. Although Harvey's contributions to science were numerous, his greatest accomplishment was his family.
He was extremely proud of his grandsons, Matthew and Luke Davis and Athen Young, and his step-grandsons, Andrew and Rory Davis. Harvey enjoyed a special bond with his brother, George Drucker, and his niece and nephew, Lindsay Drucker Lynch and Andrew Drucker, as well as a love/hate relationship with the Chicago Cubs and Bears.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Fay Beezy Drucker; and his sister, Dianne Drucker.
Visitation is at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at Hinsdale United Methodist Church, 945 S. Garfield Ave.
A service will follow at the church at 11 a.m.
Interment is at Bronswood Cemetery in Oak Brook.
Memorials may be made online to the West Suburban Humane Society at http://www.wshs-dg.org.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
