Gary J. Drinan

New Berlin-Gary was called home to the Lord’s warm embrace on Sunday, November 14. Born October 13, 1940, to Raymond and Monica (Slattery) Drinan in Kinsman, IL, he was the oldest of three children. He attended Mazon High School and graduated from the University of Illinois (Champaign) with a degree in electrical engineering. Gary met Maxine, from Hoxie, KS, in Milwaukee in 1966. Being farm kids, they immediately hit it off and married on July 8, 1967. They began their lives together in Bay View in a lower flat overlooking Lake Michigan and then moved to New Berlin in 1971, where they have lived since. They sent their children to Catholic Memorial High School, and all later graduated from college.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Maxine (nee Ziegler), and children Tim (Catherine) Drinan, Patrick Drinan (special friend Michelle Lanouette), Amy (Ryan) Wilson and Matthew Drinan; former daughter-in-law Sherry Drinan and sisters Carol Jean Peterson of Morris, IL, and Dolores Thames of West Chester, OH. Also survived by Aunt Delores Slattery. He was preceded in death by his parents, many aunts and uncles, brother-in-law Gene Thames and former brother-in-law Jack Peterson.

He is also survived by 10 wonderful grandchildren whom he dearly loved: Daniel, Sean, Matthew, Anne Marie, Maggie, Katie, Owen and Maxwell Drinan, and Davis and Ben Wilson.

Gary was, very simply, a good man. He lived his Catholic faith in his actions throughout his life. He spent 39 years at Allen-Bradley (now Rockwell Automation) and his children knew his workplace by AB’s big clock tower. His love of baseball was apparent as a player, coach, and spectator. He was a big fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and was the official scorekeeper for the New Berlin Lakers baseball team for many years. Gary was a runner earlier in his life, completing several marathons, including the Lakefront and Boston Marathons. He was a family man and was a constant spectator (and personal scorekeeper) at his children’s and grandchildren’s sports events. Gary was also a talented writer, kept a personal journal most of his life, and was an accomplished family poet and genealogist.

Visitation will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, 18000 West Greenfield Avenue, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Monday, November 22, 2021, 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00  AM. (Masks required). Burial to follow at Holy Apostles Parish Cemetery in New Berlin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the St. Vincent de Paul Outreach Program., St. Luke Parish or a charity of your choice.