In Loving Memory of Dave Drynan
September 12, 1945 – November 6, 2025
Dave Drynan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, in Helena, Montana, at the age of 80, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born and raised in Butte, MT, the youngest of four boys, Dave learned to be resourceful and resilient. Dave began his working life as a newspaper delivery boy in the heart of Butte, a humble start that reflected his lifelong dedication to hard work and service. He graduated from Butte Central and earned a Bachelor of Science in English from Carroll College. He met the love of his life, Cathy, while singing with the St. Helena Cathedral choir. They recently celebrated 55 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love. They had two children, Eric and Cassie, who he absolutely adored, and was adored by.
Dave proudly served in the United States Army Reserves for seven years.
He worked as an optician in Billings, served at a group home and as an insurance adjuster in Missoula, and concluded his professional journey as an insurance compliance specialist for the Montana State Auditor. He then went on to become a full-time Grandpa to 6 wonderful grandchildren, the apples of his eye.
Dave was a man of joyful spirit and faith. He loved to sing and shared his voice in the choirs of both the St. Helena Cathedral and Our Lady of the Valley churches. His voice will always be remembered—warm, strong, and full of heart. He was deeply involved in the Cursillo and Walk to Emmaus where he touched many lives.
Dave was a passionate supporter of youth sports. He was the inaugural coach of the Capital High School boys’ soccer program and proudly led the girls’ U-19 Arsenal soccer team to a State Championship. He found immense joy in coaching and enthusiastically cheering on his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews from the sidelines.
He was an avid reader, a lover of symphony concerts, and a gifted storyteller. He had the good fortune to travel both nationally and internationally, always returning with tales that delighted and amused. He loved to spend time with his large extended family at reunions and as guests in his home. His generosity knew no bounds, and he never hesitated to lend a hand or a listening ear.
Dave was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Drynan; mother, Elsie Drynan; brother, John Drynan; and half-brother, Art Jr. Drynan.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Cathy Drynan of Helena; beloved son Eric (Cristina) Drynan of Steilacoom, WA and their children Alex Arounleut, Eric Drynan Jr. and Connor Drynan and grandson Oliver Garcia; beloved daughter Cassie Drynan (Gianluca Pisciarelli) of Helena and their children Sienna, Giulia, and Chiara Pisciarelli; cherished brothers Tom Drynan of Helena and Jim Drynan of Butte and many loving in-laws and nieces and nephews.
Dave’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Memorial contributions: Helena Food Share – helenafoodshare.org
Viewing: November 11th, 4–6 pm at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke & Retz
Funeral Service: November 12th, 11:00 am at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke & Retz, Luncheon to follow.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 11, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday November 12, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday November 12, 2025
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 n Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 11, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday November 12, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday November 12, 2025
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 n Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
David L Van Nice says
My condolences. I have great memories of working with Dave at the Auditor’s office. He was always upbeat and his attitude flowed to everyone around him. Dave’s silly jokes and wisecracks were the cloak that hid the prince of a man he was underneath. RIP my friend!
Tim Gleason says
One amazing man. Dave was a great neighbor and friend. I am so glad we were able to enjoy early times while he coached my daughter. A gentle soul that will be missed.
Rod Applegate says
Cassie and Family.
I’m sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Thomas Kim says
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Mr. Dave Drynan this past year at a graduation lunch for one of his grandsons. Boy, does Dave know how to tell a story. As someone who’s constantly surrounded by amazing people from all parts of the world, I was in awe of Dave’s warm embrace and joyous spirit. He immediately stood out as the heart of the room.
It’s rare to meet someone for the first time and instantly feel like you’ve known them forever, like friends or family. Dave had me slapping my knee with laughter during what could have been a quiet, casual lunch with a family I barely knew. Instead, it became one of my favorite meals of the year. I even considered showing up the next day for the BBQ because I had such a great time.
Dave’s kindness, wit, and humor shone brightly, qualities that I still think about often. I remember wishing that meal could last forever. That’s the kind of incredible person he was.
I’m truly grateful to have met Dave and to have witnessed his exuberance for life and family. My sincerest and warmest condolences go out to Cassie, Eric, Cristina, and their beautiful family. I know in my heart he will be missed deeply and dearly.
Meagan Forsman says
My condolences. I’ll always remember Dave for his smile, his kindness, and always having mini candy bars at his desk when he was at the auditor’s office. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Shawna Donaldson says
Cassie, Cathy, and family,
I’m sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him and Cathy when they would come for lunch at the senior center. Dave was always smiling, upbeat, and fun to visit with. Thinking of you and sending prayers that God holds you close as you mourn Dave’s passing.
Cheri Meier says
Cathy, Eric, Cassie, and families. I was so sad to hear of Dave’s passing. What a great Butte guy he was. Dave had a deep faith as well a quick wit and silliness, wisdom to live by, and kind patience. I will always remember our times at the State Auditor’s Office.
Jill Evelo says
Cassie and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet father. He always brought a smile to those around him. I’m sending prayers of comfort and love.
Dave & Teresa Sturm says
Cathy,
We are very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. What a great guy. Hold on to all the wonderful memories you made with Dave, as those can never be taken from you. Praying for you and your family.
Kevin F Phillips says
I worked with Dave at the State Auditor’s Office. He worked hard to ensure that insurance companies weren’t screwing over people. I greatly enjoyed working with him and he had a great sense of humor.
Maureen H Shawver says
Have many memories of the Drynan family. My mom, Mary Gabse, was Dr. Drynan’s nurse, my doctor and Elsie was often a part of the many family gatherings.
Dave was a personal friend; he was a passionate man that also was compassionate. Example,
one day he showed up with a three legged dog that no one else wanted, but Dave did! Another memory of Dave, he always talked about a Cathy that he had met and was absolutely ‘”head over heels in love with her”!. He stated that some day he would get her to marry him and now that is part of his history.. Dave lived his life for his family and we know that he will be truly be missed by them. Please accept our sincere sympathies in his loss.
Maureen Gabse Shawver