Obituary of Richard Selden Dryden

Richard Selden Dryden passed away peacefully in the presence of loving family on June 4th, 2025 at 95 years old in his San Jose, CA home. Richard (Dick) was born September 6th, 1929 to Selden and Jeanne Dryden in Los Angeles, CA. He was the younger brother to George William Dryden. Orphaned at a young age due to the severity of the depression years, both brothers were reunited with their mother in childhood. They spent many California summers with grandparents in Venice Beach and at the Dryden Ranch in Fillmore. Dick graduated from Montebello High School, Montebello, CA in 1947. He was very active in sports, playing basketball, baseball, and football throughout his high school years. Dick attended University of Colorado at Boulder on the GI bill and earned a BS in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he was on active duty in the Air Force from 1955-57 and achieved the rank of Captain while traveling the world in Air Force Medical Services. Dick’s next occupation with Boeing Aircraft led him to Seattle, WA. Returning to his beloved sunny California, Dick worked for Lockheed Martin as a sound engineer. While flying commercially, a stewardess captured his attention – Laverne and Dick married in 1958 and started a family in Manhattan Beach, CA. In the late 1960s, Dick recognized opportunities with the newly developing computer industry. He moved his family to San Jose, CA in 1968 and founded Dryden Engineering as Silicon Valley began to flourish. Throughout his career, Dick was instrumental developing products and representing manufacturers in the clean room, micro-contamination control industry. He retired from his successful business in 1999. This career introduced lifelong friends and established his reputation as a well-respected businessman. Dick enjoyed “pura vida” to the fullest. He provided a secure and loving household. His extensive travels included golfing, skiing, hunting, fishing, camping, and beach time - Dick was body surfing into his 90s! He deaconed his neighborhood church for over 20 years and was an elder in the local Christian community. In retirement, he devoted time and energy to the Salvation Army as a board member and volunteer of charitable services. His door was always open and he was readily available to offer counsel, a helping hand, or listening ear. Many regarded Dick as a best friend. Richard is predeceased by his wife, Laverne (1932 – 2018). He is survived by three children, Denise Dryden, Mathew (Johanna) Dryden, John (Kirsten) Dryden, as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The Dryden family will hold a memorial service at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Richard’s honor to organizations he supported, The Salvation Army and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).