There are people in every community who lead from the front—and then there are those who lead from behind the scenes, never seeking recognition, but leaving a lasting mark all the same. Richard J. Drnek III was one of those rare individuals.
In speaking with those who knew him best, a clear picture emerges: a man deeply committed to his family, his business, and the community he loved. Not loud. Not flashy. Just steady, dependable, and always willing to step up when it mattered.
“He was one of those good people you meet in life,” said his close friend Fred Towle. “No matter what, Rick treated you the same—with friendship, kindness and sincerity.”
That consistency defined him. Whether it was running Hansen Floor Covering in Mastic, a family business that has served the area for more than 50 years, or supporting local causes, Drnek carried himself with pride and purpose. A craftsman by trade, he not only built a successful business, but passed that work ethic on to his sons.
“He wasn’t the guy who stood up and spoke,” Towle said. “He was the guy behind the scenes who actually worked and got things done.”
Janine Towle echoed that sentiment, describing a man who never looked for attention, but was always present when the community needed him. From Little League and the Boy Scouts to local merchant groups and charitable efforts, Drnek was often the first to lend support—quietly, without expectation.
He served with the Mastic-Shirley Chamber of Commerce and the Montauk Highway Merchants Association, eventually becoming its president to help guide local businesses through challenges while maintaining a strong voice for the community.
More than anything, those closest to him remember his outlook on life.
“I’ve never met anybody more positive and upbeat about life, friends, family, and his community,” Fred Towle said. “He was all about the community.”
Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Laura; his sons Rick (Jeanmarie), Eric (Alyson) and Kenny; his cherished grandchildren Bria, Ricky, Levi, Lily, Roman and Marlaina; and his siblings Jacqueline, Mary, Donald, Mark and Gary.
Services were held privately. His legacy, however, will remain firmly rooted in the community he helped build—quietly, and without fanfare.