Dennis Dryden, 76, of Niles, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Hanson Hospice in Stevensville.
Clarence and Regina (Begin) Dryden were thrilled on August 3, 1945 when they welcomed their baby boy into their family in Detroit, Michigan.
After graduating Shaffer High School in 1965, Dennis continued his education at Northern Michigan University where he obtained his teaching degree, and probably of equal importance met his beloved, Jeanette St. Denis. They wed on August 16, 1969 and began a life that was to be filled with a vast array of experiences.
He was an educator who had the privilege of molding young minds in the Frankenmuth District, Bridgeport District, Berrien Springs District and most recently the Niles District. He served as the electronics department head, spearheaded and led with great success the VECA organization, and also served as a driver’s education instructor. Both he and Jeannette traveled to several different destinations in the Midwest with their RV, they loved to camp and frequently found time to visit the beautiful horse farms in Kentucky. Horse power was also a passion for him. He attended street rod shows in Arizona, California, and internationally to Cancun and Ireland.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette, his parents, his two brothers; Reginald and Donald Dryden, and his sister, Mary Manley.
Surviving Dennis are his two children, Andy (Amy) Dryden of Chicago, Matthew (Hope) Dryden of Moorsville, North Carolina, and his five grandchildren; Abigail, Jack, Grant, Aubrey, and Avery.
Visitation for Dennis will take place at Brown Funeral Home, on Thursday, April 28, 2022, 5 p.m. with the Recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, April 29, 2022 at St. Mary Catholic Church, at 1 p.m.
Those wishing to make a donation in honor of Dennis have been asked to consider St. Mary’s Christian Services Food Pantry, 322 Clay St, Niles, MI 49120 or St. Mary Catholic School, 217 S. Lincoln Ave, Niles, MI 49120.
While Dennis’ work here on Earth is done, the lives that he has touched will continue to have a ripple effect not only in the Niles community but to many others communities where he devoted years to shaping young minds.