Denzil “Denny†Drewry, 76, of Westborough, MA passed away Tuesday March 8, 2022 after an incredible life filled with honor, bravery, commitment, service, love, laughter, family, and friends.
Denny was raised in Eastport and Orono, Maine by his devoted and loving parents, Utah Clifton and Yvonne (Hall) Drewry. It was early in life when Denny learned from his parents how to value and love family. In his youth, Denny was known to be a jokester. Often getting into innocent mischief and telling quite a tale to his teachers to get out of trouble. In high school, Denny was involved in sports as well as voted best dancer. His love for music led him to play guitar and join a band; The 49ers. After high school, Denny and his family moved to Massachusetts where he would continue to live out the remainder of his life.
Denny earned his B.S. at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Following college, he worked in corporate insurance sales. He worked his way up to Vice President of Sales in the employee benefits division, managing offices coast to coast. Denny left sales and focused his career on working with his community. He joined U.S. Senator Scott Brown as a Regional Representative. This was a highlight in his career. He also served as Director of Electronic Tolls and Risk Management for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.
In addition to his career, Denny took great pride in committing himself as a man of service to his home town of Westborough, the surrounding community, and Veterans. Denny completed 6 terms on Westborough’s Board of Selectman. He participated in numerous military organizations, town boards, clubs, and coaching of youth town sports. Denny was well-known and respected by many in the community and will be greatly missed.
Above all, Denny’s selfless service was seen no greater than in his military service to our nation. While on a trip with a friend to Washington DC in 1966, Denny enlisted in the Army. Denny immediately volunteered to go to Vietnam. He was provided with extensive military training; Infantry Officer School, Airborne Training, Special Forces Intelligence School and more. In Vietnam, Denny served as a Special Forces Green Beret Executive Officer on an A-Team and Intelligence Recon Team. After being injured in Vietnam, Denny returned to the U.S. where he held stateside assignments and taught military courses. After 3 years in active duty and 8 in the Reserves, Denny left the military as a Major. Denny received the honor of the Bronze Star; for valor, the Purple Heart, his Paratrooper Wings, and Combat Infantry Badge. More recently Denny was extremely proud to co-found and act as CFO of Fishing With Warriors - A non-profit therapeutic program offering support to Veterans where they can experience high level sporting events and activities at no cost. Though he was humble and private about his time in the military, it is clear that Denny led his life to the best of his ability by the Army’s Core Values, so deeply instilled.
Denny lived a very full and, in his words, “good lifeâ€. Above all else, Denny valued and loved his family to his core. His love for his wife could not be measured, with never a bad thing to say about her. He was most proud when speaking about his children and granddaughters. His big heart, which he willingly opened to so many, allowed him to make connections deeply. He followed his beliefs with solid conviction. It could be said that his greatest hobby was people. Serving and being with those he cared about brought him his greatest fulfilment. He looked forward to a good game of golf with friends and his son. He enjoyed telling a well-received joke. Music and dancing brought Denny to life. He also enjoyed spending time in his recliner, with a furry family member, watching a good movie or Fox News. The world has lost a truly exceptional man. May we all look up to what Denny lived for and how he lived his life. (And Dad, Guess What??? XO Jamie)
Denny is survived by his wife, Lorraine “Rainie†(Edwards) Drewry; their children Scott Drewry, and Jamie Grenier and her husband, Joey; grandchildren, Madison and Lucy; sibling, Carol Drewry. Denny was predeceased by his father (2011) and mother (2010).
His funeral service will be held on Monday, March 14, at 10:00 A.M. in the First United Methodist Church, 120 West Main St., Westborough. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Calling hours at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Sunday from 2 to 4 P.M.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the non-profit organization Fishing With Warriors. www.fishingwithwarriors.us, Fishing With Warriors, Inc., P.O. Box 621, Westborough, MA 01581
www.westboroughfuneralhome.com
Sunday, March 13, 2022
2:00 - 4:00 pm (Eastern time)
Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home
Monday, March 14, 2022
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
First United Methodist Church
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