THE CASEY FAMILY IS HONORED TO BE ASSISTING AND CARING FOR THE FAMILY OF PAUL D> DREHER. US ARMY VETERAN AND PATRIOT ASHFORD, CT – Paul David Dreher, age 56, of Ashford, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday. October 2nd 2019. Paul was born July 26th 1963 in Waterbury, CT, the son of the late Robert and Eleanor (Staselunas) Dreher. He was a graduate of Wilby High School and proudly served his country with the U.S. Army and participated in the invasion of Grenada with the 82nd Airborne. Paul then served several years with the Army Reserves and was in training to become a drill sergeant until suffering injuries that would leave him permanently disabled. After a long and brave recovery, Paul became a chef and was a very talented in his field. Paul was a true American Patriot and had aspirations of becoming a CT State Trooper prior to his injury. Even though Paul was left with a disability that would not allow him to pursue his career as a police officer, he continued to have a profound appreciation for public servants, first responders, and law enforcement. He was a parishioner of St Thomas Aquinas Church in Storrs where he was an usher and collector. He enjoyed traveling, especially to German Oktober festivals with his brother, enjoyed watching movies, and staying current with pop culture. One of Paul’s favorite things, was to volunteer at his neighbor’s goat farm where he would spend time and helped to care for the animals. He will be sadly missed all who were blessed to know and love him. Left to cherish his memories and honor his legacy are his son, Ryan Dreher of Kentucky and his daughter, Leah Dreher and her partner, Lisa of South Dakota. In addition, he leaves four brothers, six sisters and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members as well as many friends. Funeral services for Mr. Dreher will be held on Friday, October 11, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Mary Magdalen Church, 16 Buckingham St Oakville, CT 06779. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial with full military honors will be held in the Connecticut Sate Veterans Cemetery, Middletown CT at the convenience of the family. Friends and family may visit with Paul’s family on Thursday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the O’Neill Funeral Home 742 Main St Oakville. For additional information or to share an on-line condolence please visit the funeral home website at www.oneillfuneralhome.com