Aaron Patrick Drew (aka Aaron Policoff)

Aaron Patrick Drew (aka Aaron Policoff) was born in Canton, Ohio on June 19, 1985. He was a gentle young man who was always more comfortable on a three-day backpack trip in the woods or participating in a farm program than he was anything in a classroom.

A student for many years at Concord Community Music School, he had great potential playing piano and double bass. His teachers remarked that he had unusually good pitch and were impressed that he independently explored new concepts. He later took up guitar.

He attended Meadow Montessori School in Monroe, Michigan before moving to New Hampshire where he attended Monadnock Cooperative School, High Mowing School, and Goffstown Regional High School.

Aaron’s early life was deeply informed by time spent with his grandparents who took him on day trips to the Airforce Museum in Dayton and Cleveland Symphony Orchestra performances. His stepfather, Michael Policoff, was an important influence, ensuring Aaron experienced Jewish holidays and customs and participated in international folk festivals. Aaron enjoyed spending time with his aunt, Denise Felger, and his cousins, Sara and Steven, with whom he celebrated many memorable Halloweens.

He escaped with The X Files and Adult Swim as well as music documentaries. A favorite was Ken Burns’ “Jazz.” His taste in music was broad and eclectic. He listened to Tori Amos, Butthole Surfers and Whirlwind Heat, a band that his friend Kyle Pierce and Aaron each claimed they introduced to the other.

Aaron’s sisters will remember him for giving them “punk credibility” and making them cool by introducing them to ’90s grunge: Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, and Hole. He taught them how to play video games and helped put together their toys at Christmas. His sister Victoria recalls, “Before he got too cool, he would take Vanessa and me to Dodge’s Store for soft serve ice cream cones. He invented games such as ‘AHHH!’ and devised a way to open his bedroom door without having to get up from his chair.”

Aaron is preceded in death by his grandparents, Victor L. Bell and Sandra (Wylie) Bell, an aunt, Debi Schermerhorn, and his stepfather, Michael Policoff. He is survived by his sons, Ebben Drew-Mochrie, Aiden Drew and David Jones II (DJ) and their mother, Amber Mochrie; sisters, Victoria Van Besien and Vanessa Van Besien; and his mother, Carin Henderson; father-in-law, Jason Long; brother-in-law, Stephen Long; aunt, Susan Rodgers and her husband Michael and their children, Kristy Rodgers, Justin Rodgers and Tyler Rodgers (Taylor), Jay Rodgers (Kat) and their children, Eiley and Imogen; uncle, David Hall.

A memorial visiting hour will be held on Friday, June 7th from 12:00-1:00pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A memorial service will follow in the funeral home at 1:00pm. A Celebration of Aaron’s life will be held on Friday, July 14th at 7:00pm at the New Boston Gazebo, 5 Meetinghouse Hill Road, New Boston, NH. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.