Dana Drezek

Dana Drezek, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on July 25, 2024.  Dana's story is one of dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family and career. He will be deeply missed, but the seeds he planted in the hearts of those who knew him will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.  Dana was taken away from us way too soon, but his loving heart has left a beacon of light for all of us.‍Dana's early years were shared with his mom, Louise Marinone, and siblings, Derek and Dawn, creating cherished memories.  A graduate of the University of Hartford in 1992. Dana carried his passion for media, sports and graphic design into his career at ESPN.  His vision and dedication were evident in the graphics and programming he was an integral part of.‍In 2005, Dana went on a blind date and fell in love with Stacey Wilby.  Dana and Stacey were perfect for each other!  In a ceremony that remains a cherished memory for all who attended, Dana and Stacey wed on June 28, 2008.  Dana was and always will be Stacey’s “person”.  Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter. A couple years later their life was filled with the joyous hustle and bustle of raising their two children, Taylor and Ryder.

To say that Dana was a phenomenal dad is an understatement.  He loved nothing more than spending time with Taylor and Ryder, being a mentor and their biggest cheerleader as they grew up.  Together they enjoyed many Red Sox, Wolfpack and Yard Goat games, Texas Roadhouse and New Haven Pizza visits, beach walks, Newport, RI and Disney vacations, as well as quiet nights together at home. Dana was proud to coach Ryder through seasons of Little League and he was a beaming dad watching Taylor act in drama productions and watching Ryder play hockey.  Ryder’s favorite activity with his dad was golfing together and he deeply loved just “being with him”. Taylor loved walking and hiking with her dad, getting ice cream at the beach and the morning rides to school they shared.  Dana was meant to be a dad and will be missed immensely by his beautiful children.  

Dana’s beautiful heart extended beyond his immediate family.  Dana was a proud uncle to his nieces and nephews and loved them deeply. Dana took on the role of surrogate dad to his sister’s children. They will never forget the numerous Christmas eve movies and Christmas mornings together, sleep overs at Dana’s home, family outings and vacations when Dana embraced them and took them along for all of the fun.  They will always be grateful for Dana’s guidance and strength and unconditional love and, especially for Kelsey, an unforgettable dance on her wedding day.  ‍Dana's memory is honored and will be kept alive by his loving wife Stacey, his children Taylor and Ryder, and his mother Louise Marinone. Dana also leaves his brother Derek Drezek and wife Leslie, sister Dawn Valente, as well as his nieces and nephews, Sarah, Megan, Michael, Kelsey and her husband Peter, Irene and Theo. In addition, Dana will be greatly missed by his in-laws Debi and Michael McMullen.‍A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 12noon in St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, St. James Church, 767 Elm St. Rocky Hill, Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Windsor Locks. Family and friends are invited to the BROOKLAWN Funeral Home, 511 Brook St. Rocky Hill, on Thursday from 9:30-11:30a.m.