Former NFF Westchester Chapter President William Gregory Draddy, who headed the outpost directly north of New York City for 17 years, passed away May 22. He was 84 years old and just nine days short of his 85th birthday.

"Bill Draddy was a great advocate for the game of football throughout his entire lifetime," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "A fabulous player in high school and college, he worked hard as an amazing ambassador, paying it forward to those who played the game he loved. His contributions helped make the NFF Westchester Chapter one of the strongest in the nation, and we are forever grateful. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time of loss."
 
Founded in 1974, The Westchester Chapter, which was launched by Draddy's uncle and former NFF Chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, has honored more than 600 scholar-athletes and awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships. Each year the chapter recognizes its "Golden Dozen," honoring the region's top 12 high school football scholar-athletes while also providing honorable mention to approximately another 20 student-athletes who have excelled on the field, in the classroom and as leaders in the community. The chapter hosts the honorees at its annual awards banquet, taking place at the famed Westchester Country Club, while staging its annual golf outing at the Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, New York to raise funds for the scholarships.
 
Born on May 31, 1937 in Ware, Massachusetts, Draddy was raised in Mamaroneck, New York.  He attended Holy Trinity Grammar School in Mamaroneck before enrolling at Iona Prep High School in New Rochelle and becoming a star in football, baseball and basketball. He went on to play football at Michigan State University. After leaving Michigan State, he played semi-pro football for the Mount Vernon Crusaders. He signed a rookie contract with the New York Giants but was cut before the season started. He was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in New Rochelle, New York in 2008 for his athletic prowess at Iona Prep.
 
Following his football career, Draddy joined his uncles in the clothing business, working first at Gregg Draddy and then Izod Lacoste. After a successful 25-year run in the clothing business, Draddy became a partner in three restaurants in Westchester: Gus's Franklin Park Restaurant in Harrison as well as Carl's and the Larchmont Tavern in Larchmont. With a passion for good food, storytelling, and a big smile, he became a mainstay on the bustling floor at Gus's for 20 years. After his retirement in 2004, he spent close to 20 years at Heritage Village in Southbury, Connecticut.
 
Draddy is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patrica Mary (Dwyer); his sister Jean Hueffed; his four children and their spouses, Billy and Nina, Colleen, Greg and Geraldine, Mary Pat and Jon Rosenshine; and his 11 grandchildren, Mackenzie, Siobhan, Kate, Liam, Sean, Owen, Ian, Jack, Ryan, Annie and Finn. Draddy also had 28 nieces and nephews, many cousins and numerous friends both near and far.
 
The family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Westchester Chapter of the National Football Foundation - please contact NFF Director of Finance Sue Tuggle at 972-556-1000 or by email at stuggle@footballfoundation.com for more information.
 
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 31 from 4-7 p.m. ET at Graham Funeral Home in Rye, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, June 1 at 11 a.m. ET at Church of the Resurrection, Rye, NY. Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.