Robert George Drevenak (aka “Bob”) of Dickerson, MD, passed away at his home on November 19, 2024, after a 2 ½ month illness. He was born September 18, 1949, in Washington, DC, to Lucinda and George Drevenak.

He graduated from Surrattsville High School in Clinton, MD in 1968 and subsequently earned a certification in Diesel Engine Mechanics in 1970. In the early 1970’s he was a customer engineer for IBM Corp in the company’s Arlington VA field office. During his time at IBM, he received many outstanding achievement and man-of-the-month awards.

He received his journeyman electrician’s license from the State of Maryland in 1978 and the District of Columbia in 1980. He also received his certification in Motor Control from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) - National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Local 26, of which he was a member. During his time as a journeyman electrician, he worked at General Electric Company in Rockville, MD, an assignment that he particularly enjoyed.

Eventually, Bob went to work in the Washington DC office of the IBEW as their Information Technology specialist. During his years there he was highly thought of and valued by his co-workers. He retired from the IBEW after 20 years of distinguished service on January 1, 2010.

Throughout his life, Bob was always wanting to learn. He could fix anything mechanical and was a handyman par excellence (he spent many hours each year repairing the driveway). He asked for perfection from others and from himself (with the exception of his workshop which was messy).

Bob loved all of nature and instilled that in his son, teaching him about the outdoors and the fine art of fishing (most always catch and release). Another of his great enjoyments was watching the birds, including his precious hummingbirds, at the feeders that he built for them. He loved gardening and caring for his yard, always making sure that the mowing was done slowly so as to not harm the bees feeding in the grass.

He loved his Harleys. His favorite was his Sportster, next came the Road King with sidecar. He loved music, especially blues, and played guitar and dabbled for a while with the harmonica. He loved doing things for people and was Scoutmaster in the local Boy Scout troop when his son was young. He and his wife were two of the first volunteers at Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville.

He loved his family, his “adopted” children and grandchildren, and his dear friends. Many of them credit him with having been a major influence in their lives and careers and look to him as a second father.

Last, but not least, he loved all animals, all those he rescued, as well as his childhood dog Stumpy and his favorite cats Lester, Beethoven, Wisdom, Scooter, and Missy.

He will be remembered for all of this, as well as his wry sense of humor, warm laugh, sensitivity, and bravery. He will be missed beyond words.

Bob is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jeannie, his son Jason Robert, and his sister Donna D. Mitroff. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Nancy J. Dickinson.

A celebration of life will be held in early spring of 2025, with details to be provided.

Memorial donations may be made in Bob’s name to the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, the Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, or the Arbor Day Foundation.