Ernest Lester Drohan III

Ernest Lester Drohan, III, died at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center on Sunday, March 22, 2026. He was 83 years old.

Ernie was predeceased by his parents, Ernie and Melva Drohan, his sister, Diane Herpst, and grandson, Jordan Luke Simpson. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Susan. They were married for 40 years. He is also survived by his daughters, Carri Simpson (Luke) and Lisa Jones (Kevin); his sister, Sharon Lytwynec (John); his grandchildren, Jacob Simpson, Ryan Jones, and Hollyn Jones; his nephews, Jeff Herpst (Cindy) and Kyle Lytwynec (Heather); his nieces, Laura Lovin (Jerry), Samantha Lovin, Rachel Herpst, Jessica Abel (Kevin), Kendall DeNarie (Matt), Heather and Hilary; sisters-in-law, Mary Esworthy and Laurie Anne Gump; his brother-in-law, David Gump; and many other cherished friends and family.

After Ernie graduated from Catonsville High School, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1964 and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Ernie also graduated from the University of Baltimore with a Bachelor’s Degree. Next, Ernie owned and operated ED Grapics until his retirement.

He was a devoted and faithful member of St. Joseph Monastery Parish and for years headed up a team who decorated the beautiful church for Christmas and Easter. Ernie was a lifetime member of the Maryland Orchid Society and recently had an orchid named for him by the Royal Horticultural Society. For many years he was also a member of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

Ernie never met a man he didn’t like and he never held a grudge against anyone. A friend of Ernie’s, Bob Travers, said everyone who knew him, loved him. He loved his Lord and Savior and wasn’t afraid to let people know how he felt.

A Gathering will take place at St. Joseph Monastery Parish, 3801 Old Frederick Road, Baltimore, MD 21229, on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10:00am-11:00am, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00am.