Steven A. Drewry, Ph.D.

Steven Anthony Drewry, age 75, of Dayton, Ohio, found final peace at his home on May 10th, 2026. Born in Stockton, California on June 19th, 1950 and raised in West Lafayette, Indiana, Steve spent his early life filled with laughter and play. With his many neighborhood friends and younger brother Michael, he formed memories he would go on to share with others for the rest of his life.

Upon graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1968, Steve went on to attend Purdue University. However, his belief in social activism and desire for extracurricular learning, combined with a growing love for writing, led him to pursue other forms of education. Ultimately, Steve obtained a number of degrees from various universities including a B.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from Indiana University, a Master’s of Social Work from Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Louisville.

Steve moved on to practice as a licensed independent social worker and therapist both privately and clinically, finding this work to be deeply fulfilling. He also continued to cultivate his love for writing at this time, resulting in numerous publications in the Dayton Daily News. After achieving his Ph.D. in 2004, Steve became a faculty member at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio finding a new passion for teaching and guiding future social workers. Turning his love of writing towards research, Steve was published in a variety of academic journals of social work, in multiple languages. Steve retired as Professor Emeritus from Capital in 2018, ending a successful career in academia.

Steve was loved dearly by his family and friends, and time spent with him was always treasured. He was known for his love of live music, hiking, and gardening, developing a reputation for a green thumb amongst family and neighbors. An avid fisherman, he took countless trips to different lakes, rivers, and sometimes oceans, sure to entertain his friends with his dry, sharp humor and seemingly endless stories. Steve was regarded by all who knew him for his ability to tell a story, and was never one to allow for a boring retelling of events. This, and his love for music, history, literature, and politics allowed for hours of exquisite conversation filled with laughter and wisdom, something that will be greatly cherished by all those he left behind.

Steve is survived by his son Austin F. Drewry, and brother Michael (Lisa) Drewry, as well nephews Patrick, Daniel, and Christopher Drewry, and niece Holly Rataiczak. He is preceded in death by his father Austin Drewry and mother Miriam Peffer.

A memorial gathering will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Holy Trinity Church, 272 Bainbridge Street in Dayton. Funeral mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a separate venue to follow.

To share a memory of Steven or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.