Allan Bernard Dreyer

Allan B. Dreyer, son of Cleveland, public servant, community leader, and dedicated brother, uncle, friend, and companion, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on October 18, 2025.

Born in Lakewood, Ohio, Allan was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, and first began working for the public interest at the Midwest Academy in Chicago to train community organizers. Ohio Citizen Action recruited Allan to Cleveland to assist with its organizing and policy work. Ward 18 council member Jay Westbrook asked Allan to advance policy work within Cleveland city government, and in 1989, Allan helped build the coalition that brought Westbrook to the presidency of the Council. For more than three decades, Allan served several leadership roles within the Council, including longtime Deputy Clerk of City Council. Allan’s longtime commitment to Cleveland is also reflected in his advocacy and leadership beyond city government. He was a leader in the Earth Day Coalition, establishing the annual Earth Day at the Zoo, and forming Dike 14 on Lake Erie. Allan believed that comprehensive health care is a right. His service on the Board of Neighborhood Family Practice made health care a reality for thousands of citizens. He also served with distinction on the Cleveland Landmarks Commission.

Allan’s greatest legacy was striking the balance between his natural warm and quirky humor, his keen professionalism,and his uncommon strength facing the world of public service. Among countless challenges, issues, and thorny demands, he never stood down or backed off working for the right cause. He was no stranger to the rough and tumble of politics. But he never gave up, worked with everyone, and ensured that the quality and results of his work would always be described as good government. He was always known for his skills behind the scenes, but never sought credit, even when he surely deserved it.

Allan was always very proud of Cleveland. He was a walking directory of its many highlights, its storied history, and its positive future. Cleveland is surely a better place for having had Allan in City Hall.

Allan’s family and friends, of which there are many, shall always remember and cherish their personal relationship with him. To know Allan was to have a wonderfully warm friend, as well as a mischievous and unpredictable character often offering ironic or satirical questions, comments, and insights.

Maybe the best indicator of Allan’s unique personality was his unflagging effort of gift-giving. A better gift-giver was quite simply never known. He once gave his brother, a newly elected judge, a congratulatory tambourine. One holiday season, he gave all his family and friends gifts of wrapping paper and socks – all adorned with his face. His gifts were so renowned, children would search first for Uncle Allan’s gifts and shriek with joy finding the surprise within. But more than this was his sincere thoughtfulness, time, and care in picking out gifts and cards that always touched everyone with real love and friendship. Although he was always known for having the biggest Christmas stocking in City Hall, it was never as big as the affection that Council staff had for him.

His family and friends greatly mourn his loss, but they are emboldened beyond sadness to a joy and gratitude for having had him in their lives, and an inspiration to live life like Allan – with warm friendship, unconditional love, and always looking for the best joke in everything.

Allan is survived by his siblings John W. “Jack” (Linda) of Sun Lakes AZ; Stephen F. (Kim Nguyen) of Los Altos Hills CA; David J. (Susan Kmieciak) of Indianapolis IN; Mary F. of Mesa AZ; Regina (Joe Malachowski) of Lombard IL; and stepsister Judy Brockman (Bob) of Noblesville IN. In addition, he is survived by his beloved Cleveland family of Jay Westbrook and Helen Williams, and their daughters Abby (Vince Gonzalez) and Katie (Coltan Darmour). Allan is also survived by first cousins Ruth Ann Wagner (Dan) of Greenwood IN, William Dreyer (Jerri ) of Raymond ME, and Sally McGrath (Gregory) of Heathsville VA. Allan has many nieces, a nephew, grand-nieces, and a grand- nephew, all of whom know Allan by his love, gifts, and presence in all their lives. His nieces include Christy Lucarelli (Tony) of Woodridge IL; Wendy Tobin (Mike) of Tempe AZ; Lesley Dreyer (Andy Sell) of Chandler AZ; Lindsay Lomax (James) of Henderson NV; and Hannah Dreyer (Cameron Latimore) of Portland OR. His nephew is Dylan Dreyer of San Francisco CA. His grand-nieces include Carson Tobin of Chandler AZ; and Addison Lomax and Mila Lomax of Henderson NV. He is predeceased by grand-niece Ivy Lomax of Henderson NV. His grand-nephew is Peter Lucarelli of Woodridge IL. Allan’s family also includes Leo Gonzalez and Gus Gonzalez of Cleveland OH.

Allan’s family is grateful for the extraordinary care and support of the Cleveland Clinic, including Dr. Allison Winter.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Allan on November 15, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cleveland History Center (Norton Gallery) of the Western Reserve Historical Society, 10825 East Boulevard in Cleveland. Program will start at 4:30 p.m. Friends are encouraged to RSVP for the Celebration service at this link: https://pp.events/bWqX4pQa

Please consider honoring Allan’s service to Cleveland by choosing a contribution to: Ohio Citizen Action (ohiocitizen.org); Western Reserve Land Conservancy (wrlandconservancy.org); Neighborhood Family Practice (nfpmedcenter.org); or The Cleveland Orchestra (clevelandorchestra.com).

This service will be lived streamed and recorded to this obituary for those who wish to view the service virtually.