David P. Drew

David P. Drew
May 16, 1940 – March 14, 2026

David P. Drew, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, in Naples, Florida, at the age of 85.

Born on May 16, 1940, in Marshalltown, Iowa, David attended Iowa State University, where he studied engineering and began a lifelong journey in technology.

David dedicated 42 years of his professional life to 3M, where he rose through the ranks to become Chief Information Officer and a key architect of the company’s global technology strategy. His career took him and his family around the world, shaping a rich and international life. He lived in Italy, France, and Belgium. While serving as International Director of Information Technology, he led a groundbreaking effort to unify 3M’s IT systems across dozens of countries into a single global infrastructure—an achievement widely recognized as ahead of its time.

After retiring from his distinguished career, David embraced lifelong learning with characteristic curiosity and enthusiasm. He took classes in history, literature, and the arts, continually expanding his understanding of the world. He also pursued his love of travel, visiting places he had missed during his earlier years abroad and continuing to explore with curiosity and wonder.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, David was best known for his humility, steadiness, and devotion to his family. He brought thoughtfulness, humor, and integrity to all aspects of his life and was a source of support and guidance to those who knew him.

David was preceded in death by his father, Charles Perren Drew; his mother, Ann Drew; and his brother, Charles Drew.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Pat Drew; his son, Kevin Drew; his daughter, Maria Elena Rigby; his son-in-law, Jonathon Rigby; his cherished grandson, Ned Rigby; his sister-in-law, Phyllis (Ken) LaCroix; Jerry (Rita) Running; and many nieces and nephews who remember him fondly.

David will be remembered for his pioneering contributions to global technology leadership, his curiosity about the world, and the love he held for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David’s honor to the University of Minnesota Cancer Research or to the Basilica of Saint Mary – St. Vincent de Paul Outreach to the Poor, organizations that reflect his values of compassion, service, and commitment to improving the lives of others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 1, 2026, at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis at 1:00 pm with a gathering 1 hour prior. A private interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul. The service can be lived streamed at https://mary.online.church/

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