Congetta Rose Drago Polito

1944 - 2025

Born in Independence, La. to Fransico F. Drago and Lena Rose Rumfalo-Drago on April 18, 1944, Congetta Rose Drago-Polito was the third of seven children of the Drago Family. Congetta attended grade school at Mater Dolorosa Catholic School and church at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church. She grew up learning strong work ethics from her two loving parents. 

Congetta lived her adult life in Independence La. after attending Independence High School and marrying her husband of forty-eight years. They had four children Mary, John (Dianna), Michael (Missy), and Patricia Ann. Congetta worked her entire career in Independence La. She worked at some local businesses early on and then worked 30 years at Lallie Kemp Hospital in the dietary department where she retired in 2007. She returned to the workforce with the Foster Grandparent Program for an additional 5 years. Congetta loved serving her community, being by her husband’s side during his fire career for the Town of Independence. She also loved spending time with her family and her close friends. She grew up close to all of her cousins and shared many great memories were with them at events and sometimes in participating in some harmless shenanigans with them! 

Every afternoon you could find her around 3 p.m. fixing coffee for patio conversation with her husband, friends, and family.  Lots of gravy had to be made on Sunday as the family grew from a family of 6 to add 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Congetta enjoyed cooking for her family, visiting with her sister, and going places with her children. Her job as a foster grandparent fulfilled her love of working with children. Making Italian cookies with her friend Catherine Farlouis, her girls, her grandchildren, and her mother was a Christmas tradition for many years. Her life was full of love, laughter, family, and fun, her children made sure of that.  

Her family is grateful for all the care that was given to Congetta during her illness especially from Heritage Health Care Hammond La. and Life Source Services Baton Rouge La. during her final days. Their compassion and dedication made all the difference. The family also thanks Kathy Mason and Megan Minshew as well, for supporting them with Congetta’s care at her home during the day. Special thanks to McKneely Funeral Home in Amite for their care of Mrs. Congetta Drago Polito’s arrangements. 

She is survived by her children, grandchildren: Lauren, Jessica, Brandi (Chance), Sam (Jennifer), Bridget (Tommy), TJ (Jennifer) and Stephani. 10 great grandchildren: Brayden, CJ, Morgan, Addilyn, Harleigh, Riley, Anniston, Kinlee, Reese, Sophia, 3 brothers Tony, Sam, Joe (Martha), and a sister Lena, 2 brothers-in-law Charles (Gayle) and Anthony, and a sisters-in-law Cindy and Anita, former sons-in-law, Tommie Spencer, Sr. and Sammy Sparacello, Sr., and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

She is preceded in death by her husband John Polito, Sr., father Frank, mother Lena, sister Mary, brother Johnny, sisters-in-law Kathy and Camilla, brothers-in-law Nick, Big Johnny, Nace, Vincent, and many uncles and aunts, cousins, and friends.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Monday, July 28, 2025. Services conducted by Deacon Nat Garofalo. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence, LA. Fellowship will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Independence following services.