John Drago, Jr.

John Drago (85) of Ravenna, Ohio, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021. He was born in Ravenna to John and Esther (Knapp) Drago on May 15, 1936.  John graduated from Ravenna High School in 1954, and then proudly served his country as a member of the US Marine Corps, earning the rank of Sergeant.  Once a Marine, always a Marine.   His shoes were always shined, he was always clean shaven, his lawn was immaculate, and his truck always appeared as if it just came off the showroom floor.  His life was dedicated to water service and bringing potable water to the people in Ravenna and Rootstown.  In his early years he and brother Carl (aka Curly), under the guidance of John Sr., often dug ditches for Ravenna city water lines at night by lantern light.  The lanterns still hang to this day at the plumbing shop.  He was a state certified plumbing inspector. He served as Ravenna utilities foreman, and later managed Rootstown Water.  He taught his three sons the trade, one of whom is still active in the business.  For the 50 years he owned Drago Plumbing, he could always be found on Saturday morning grilling spicy foods for his many friends in the alley outside the plumbing shop.  It was generally agreed that John knew the waterlines in Ravenna better than any other person; the maps were in his head and he was frequently consulted even after retirement.  He was considered by many as a hard ass, but his ‘my way or the highway’ approach was meant to better the people who worked with him.  He enjoyed mentoring a crew of younger craftsman and was loved like a father by many still working today.  One youngster of note was Darrell; they were buddies for decades and often came to blows, but were as close as could be. John was a dedicated member of his community and volunteered his time to various civic organizations. He was an original founder of the Ravenna Italian American Society, was a proud member of the Ravenna Elks for 50 years, and a trustee at the American Legion #331.  John worked as a volunteer firefighter and was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Parish.  John and his wife Patricia were excellent dancers and were known to win dancing competitions not only in their early years, but impromptu competitions later in life on cruise ships.  He served on the Portage County Boxing Commission and was active in bringing Golden Glove matches to Ravenna.  He made frequent trips to Las Vegas with his lifelong friends Neil and Spag to watch the great fighters of his time including, Ali, Holmes, Leonard, Frazier, and countless others.  “Vegas was different back then”, he said.  It was on more than one occasion he shared at drink at the Flamingo with the members of the Rat Pack.  He was most proud of attaining his pilot’s license at an early age, inspiring two of his sons to become pilots.  He enjoyed golf and taught his daughter Susan, who later played as the only girl on the high school team.  Back in the day, John played several rounds of golf with Cleveland Brown’s great Jim Brown at Chestnut Hill Golf Course.  He also enjoyed bowling, bocce league at the Italian American Society, and playing cards (and usually winning). He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as his close friends. John was a complex man who softened in his later years.  He spoke fondly of his earlier years and had few regrets.  With many medical close calls in his life, he became more philosophical about life and death.  He loved nothing more than watching Jeopardy with his wife and kids, or hanging with his crew in his garage, having a CC and coke, playfully insulting each other as a show of total respect and love.   He was very fortunate to have the opportunity to say goodbye to his family and friends.  He joked right up to the very end and passed peacefully at home in his favorite chair, with his family at his side.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years Patricia (Diroll), children John Drago III, Susan (Nick) Mascio, Steve Drago, and Anthony Drago. Grandchildren, Victoria, Emily, Jack, Anna, Erica, David, Mia, Giada, Audrey, Jenna, Olivia, and Gino, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Carl Drago and Madonna Griffiths. Services with military honors will be held for family only, but please join the family for a celebration of life at the Ravenna Elks club on Wednesday, June 23 from 4 to 7PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.   Condolences and memories of John may be shared with his family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.

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