Daniel Waters Drago

M´y most condolences to our Sassy Singers Director Marge Drago and family. Mr Drago always greeted us at the door with a smile. Surely, we all missed Him and keep Mr Drago forever in our hearts.

I first met Dan and Marge when I joined the Chancel Choir at Hope Presbyterian Church. I used to stay after church and help them put the anthem music away. When they retired from Choir, I became the choir librarian. I also joined Sassy Singers. We were mostly retired women who just loved to sing. Dan was our "Road Manager" and Marge was our Director. Dan always set things up for us - chairs, stools, etc. He was always in attire for whatever season we were celebrating and he accompanied us with bells, etc. We always had a good time, and occasionally went we went out to lunch together. We had a celebration for them when they retired and we gathered at Jeanne & Frank Klinkowski's home; we sadly turned in our music and Marge donated it to schools in the area. Everyone made a special dish and we presented them with a Wooden bench which was placed in their honor in The Garden of Hope Presbyterian Church. What a pleasure it was to know them! Blessings, Sympathy & Peace to you, Marge. And, rest in peace, Dan, thou good and faithful servant!
P.S. Thanks, Diana, for sharing your memories of your grandfather!

My most condolences to Marge and Drago family from Yolie Rod - Sassy Singers directed by Marge Drago. Mr. Drago always by Marge’s side helping and at the door entrance greeting us. A very kind and sweet man. Mr Drago, thank you for your service with music with Marge. My love affection to the Family Drago.
Yolie Rod - Sassy Singer

I knew Marge and Dan when I sang with Sassy Singers. My friend Judy Yoder and I used to ride together from Haines City to Hope Presbyterian Church where we rehearsed. When we got to the church, Dan would announce, "Haines City is here!" We were the only member of Sassy Singers from Haines City and it tickled him to announce our arrival.

I am saddened to learn of his death. My condolences go out to Marge and his family.

Charlene N. Tiede

Oh my goodness, I just read this. I sang in choir with Dan and Marge and they quickly became two of my favorite people. I am very sad to learn of Dan’s passing; I celebrate a life well lived! I will remember his smile and twinkling eyes, how devoted he was to Marge, and, of course, his beautiful bass voice!
Polly Burkhart

(I posted this to my Facebook after I heard the news of his death. I thought I would post a copy here, for everyone to see.)
My Grandpa Dan Drago Sr. just passed away, and all I can think about are his big hugs, loud laugh, and the smell of pipe tobacco, even tho I hardly remember him smoking. He was so kind and gentle with their Siamese cats, helping my Grandma feed them cheese as an evening treat. He hand-carved the whole family Aggravation boards, and would get in on the fun every once in a while. There was a NASA picture signed by him and others involved in the space shuttle program, but I was more interested to watch videos of him on stage, shows directed by my Grandma, and I know that’s what turned me to loving it too. When they visited me in NYC, they told me Les Mis was their favorite musical (at least at that time). I was told he was strict with his three sons, but as one of his many granddaughters, I only saw him as sweet and lovable. I can’t remember him ever leaving Grandma’s side, except to take us on his boat for lake tours and fishing on the days we weren’t going to another amusement park during my annual trip to Florida. I keep on imagining that Santa-like glint in his eyes when he would smile with pride at our family reunions. I wish I visited more, but I’m sure he gave my Dad’s hand (Dan Drago Jr.) a mighty shake as he walked thru the gates of heaven. I love you Grandpa - I’ll look forward to another hug when we meet again.