Michael ("Mike") David Drenan, born January 14, 1955, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away on March 17th, 2026 in San Diego, California, surrounded by the love of his family after a long illness.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Teresa Drenan (Rix); his children, Ryan (Briana); Meghan Stone (Adam); Matthew (Jenna); his cherished grandchildren, Dylan, Addison,Piper, Saylor, Harper, and Henry; his parents Dr. David and Nancy Drenan; his siblings, Debbie, Kathy, Kevin, and Shannon; his mother-in-law, Lou Anna Dickerson; his brother-in-law, Roger; his sisters-in-law, Nancy and Polly, and many nieces and nephews. His love for his family was boundless and unwavering and they were the true center of his world.

Mike graduated from Wittenberg University, where he was a member of the 1973 and 1975 NCAA DIII national football championship teams. A natural leader, he was also elected President of his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi. It wasn't really a party until Mike arrived. His presence brought energy, laughter, and warmth to every gathering.

After college, Mike spent two years as a high school  English teacher and football coach before pursuing a successful career in law. After graduating from law school at the University of Dayton, Mike joined the Air Force as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) where he served his country for 9 years, reaching the rank of Major.  Mike also furthered his legal education while in the Air Force, earning a Master in Laws (LL.M.) in Labor & Employment Law from Georgetown University Law Center. After leaving the Air Force, the family relocated to San Diego where Mike began his private sector career as an employment defense attorney, serving as a partner in several prominent San Diego law firms until his retirement in 2020. Though he left the classroom for the law, his passion for teaching and mentoring never faded. He became a trusted guide to young lawyers throughout his career, treating them with the same encouragement, jovial attitude, and care he gave his own children.

Mike's love of sports was legendary. Although he naturally loved the sports he played (football,basketball, baseball), he took great joy in learning his children's chosen sports (e.g. lacrosse). When Mike wasn't coaching his kids' sports teams and trying to bring strategy to elementary school basketball drafts, he could always be found on the sidelines cheering for them and never missed a game. Known for his encyclopedic sports knowledge, he was crowned multiple times as the "sports god of knowledge" by a local radio show and even won the family its first DVD player through his efforts.

Mike taught his family a strong work ethic and a uniquely positive outlook on life. Yet for all his accolades and accomplishments, the real love of his life was his family — his beloved Teresa and their children and grandchildren. To his family, Dad was the sun — life-sustaining, warm, and the center of their universe. Everyone wanted to be near him, in his light.  There is a line from It's a Wonderful Life that captures the depth of his impact: "Each man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" The space Mike leaves behind is immeasurable and he will be dearly missed. Mike built a legacy of love that will continue to shine in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of life - a party befitting of Mike - will be held on June 20th. If you would like to be kept updated on the date & location of the celebration, please email drenanfamily@gmail.com, or go to Mike's obituary on the Poway Bernardo Mortuary website for more information. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cure PSP in Mike's name.