Patrick Lee Drenning

Devoted husband, avid sailor, and former Army Old Guardsman, Patrick Lee Drenning, died on October 17, 2023 in Crofton, Maryland, after a lengthy battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).  He was 87 years old.

Born on October 6, 1936 in Ohio to Carl and Charlotte Drenning, Pat graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia and studied at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia.  After marrying Alice Warden Drenning, the couple made Annapolis, Maryland their home for decades.

He was a member of The Old Guard/3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment early on in his career.  He then started working for IBM on mainframe computers when the industry was in its infancy.  Later on he worked in Information Technology at the U.S. Post Office and the White House.

Pat’s favorite pastime was sailing with Alice on Westering Home, the name of both his Alberg 30 and his Whitby 42.  Over the years they sailed up to New England, down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Florida Keys, and even as far as the British West Indies.  He served a term as Commodore of the Alberg 30 Association, and was instrumental in founding their fall cruise and soup night events.  He was also active with the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake.  He and Alice enjoyed playing bridge, riding bicycles, and the like.  Pat rode his motorcycle to work in Washington, DC for many years, and had an extensive collection of music and movies.

Predeceased by his parents, wife, and sister Julia Ann Treagy, Pat is survived by his nephew, Michael; his niece, Carrie (Gary); as well as three great-nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 6 Herndon Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403, 410-268-8816, or at www.cbf.org/memorial.  Pat enthusiastically volunteered as an oyster gardener for their oyster restoration program.

Pat will be honored with a memorial service at a future date to be announced.  His remains are in the care of Beall Funeral Home.