SPRUCE HEAD — Michael T. Drons, 75, of Spruce Head, died peacefully on May 9, 2016, at the Sussman Hospice House, after a brief but intense battle with cancer.

Michael was born in Rochester, N.Y., on April 30, 1941, to Charles S. and Marian Giles Drons. He graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 1959 and received Bachelor or Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English from Fordham University in New York. He taught at Canisius High School in Buffalo, N.Y., and LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., before moving to New York City, where he met his wife, Kathleen Brandes, at Time-Life Books.

In 1974, they "dropped out" to Maine, where he joined the staff of the Camden-Rockport school system as an English teacher and then set up the Horizons (formerly Gifted and Talented) program. In 1991, he and his wife moved to Turkey, where he taught high school English at the Koç School and later became director of studies at Robert College in Istanbul. When they returned to Spruce Head in 2002, he established House Calls, a solo handyman service where he put his heart and soul (not to mention his back) into his work. Michael was especially appreciated for his ingenuity and thoroughness.

Over the years, Michael loved the challenge of organizing adventures, so he and his wife (and friends) managed to explore the world, visiting locales in Europe, Asia, Africa, New Zealand and the Caribbean.

Michael is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathleen “Kathy” Brandes; three siblings, Bernadette (Bill) Paradise, Robert Drons and Richard (Donna) Drons; his in-laws, Guy and Dawn Brandes, Bruce and Virginia Brandes, Peter and Jane Brandes, and Hans and Mary Brandes; a much-loved godchild, Naomi Paradise; wonderful nieces and nephews; faithful friends in Maine and around the world; and his special puppy, Moji.

As one friend aptly put it, "It's really hard to imagine the world without Michael."

A commemoration of his life will be held in mid-June.

Memorial donations may be sent to Spruce Head Community Hall and Historical Association, P.O. Box 323, Spruce Head, ME 04859, or to Coastal Opportunities, P.O. Box 637, Camden, ME 04859.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.