David A. Drynan

1945 - 2025

David A. 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, Mont., at the age of 80, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born and raised in Butte, Mont., 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 six 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, Wash., 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 to 6 p.m. at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke & Retz

Funeral Service: November 12th, 11 a.m. at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke & Retz, Luncheon to follow. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family.

Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, MT 59602

406-442-8520