Marie Drago

Marie Drago beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on April 14, 2023 just shy of her 96 surrounded by her family.

Marie married to the late Pasquale (Pat) Drago at St. John the Evangelist Church in Brooklyn in 1948. They were happily married for 54 years. They began their life together in Brooklyn and moved to Seaford where they raised four children Donna (Gene), Robert (the late Darlene) (companion Nancy), Patricia (Joe), and Michele (Kevin). She was lovingly known as Grandma Marie to seven grandchildren T.J. (Jess), Michael (Sue), Jennifer (Ken), Bryan (Ashleigh), Marissa (Rob), Patrick (Mallory) and Christopher (XiXi). Her twelve great-grandchildren Estella, Carina, Sylvie, Madison, James, Kali, Kenny, Zachary, Alexandra, Leo, Isabelle and Henry gave her much joy.

Marie and Pat enjoyed travelling throughout the country and world. They came back to Long Island several times per year to be with their grandchildren to celebrate holidays and family events.

Marie will be missed by 7 surviving siblings and many nieces and nephews. Many of Marie’s friends have predeceased her but she never stopped making new friends.

Marie began her career in banking as a secretary in 1945 and retired as a branch manager in Florida. She was well known in Florida as a high series bowler in two bowling leagues. Marie enjoyed the ambiance of Florida living. She also donated her time to political action. A particular highlight of her life was the day President Obama held her hand while speaking to a crowd.

Her love of music kept her dancing throughout her life and was known as the Dancing Queen Grandma who danced at every grandchild’s wedding.

Marie took pride in her active role in her parish, St. John the Evangelist Church, in Boca Raton, FL and was a founding member of the Women’s Club. At age 90, Marie moved back to Long Island to be close to family and moved into Atria Hertlin Place. While at Hertlin Place, she was a record breaking member of the Rowing Team. At age 91, she won the Atria Veteran’s Rowing Competition First Place award. She also was an Ambassador welcoming new residents.

In lieu of flowers, The family requests to remember Marie with a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.