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Daniel Drago Obituary
Melbourne - Daniel Waters Drago, 92, of Melbourne, FL died peacefully in his sleep on January 27, 2021.
He was born in Memphis, TN on November 12, 1928 to Annabelle (Waters) and William "Pappy" Drago, a yardmaster at the Springfield, MO trainyard.
Dan attended Drury College (engineering, music) in 1946. He met Margaret Killough the first week of school at a bridge game hosted by the daughter of the college president. They partnered in the game within a few minutes of meeting, and continued to play bridge together for the next seven decades. They wed December 30, 1950.
After graduating, they taught at Forsyth High in Missouri. Dan directed the Missouri National Guard band, which had the honor of playing for President Truman. Daniel Waters Jr. was born in 1952. Shortly thereafter, Dan was hired as a high school music director in Marion, IA. Robert William was born in 1954 and Thomas Allen in 1956.
Dan shifted career tracks in 1955 and started as an engineer for McDonald Douglas in Iowa. He left for a job with Martin Marietta in Denver, CO in 1958. There he worked on Skylab, the Titan II rocket (Gemini project), and wrote routines for astronaut Collins (who circled the moon) on the Apollo project. Dan earned a Master's in Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. In 1973, Dan moved to Martin's Michoud facility near Slidell, LA, where he worked on external fuel tanks for the Space Shuttle. He transferred to Martin's Orlando, FL facility in 1983 and retired to Lake Wales, FL in 1993.
In Denver, the family attended the First Congregational Church, where Dan and Marge sang in the choir and hosted an annual New Year's party. They were active in the Slidell Little Theater where Dan notably played Moses in "2 by 2" and, later, joined the Lake Wales Little Theatre. They also enjoyed camping, first in tents around the west and then with trailers as they moved south. They particularly loved travelling with their Siamese cats.
Dan is survived by Marge, sons Tom (Tina) and Robert, daughter-in-law Missy, grandchildren Jennifer Barton, Moriah (Rick) Blaylock, Jessica (Adam) Johnson, Kara (Chris) Hart, Sophia (David) Williams, Eva, John, Diana, Darcy (Scott), Daniel III, and great grandchildren Kaylyn, Ashlyn, Jessie, Aaron, Shyanne, Tyler, Kalia, Kai, Rhys, and Theodore. He was preceded in death by son Dan Jr. in 2019, and great grandson Caleb in 2017.
Donations in his memory may be sent to the Slidell Little Theatre, PO Box 969 Slidell LA 70458.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Drago
Sponsored by Florida Today.
Yolie Rod
January 24, 2026
Mr Daniel Drago will always be remembered as a sweet and kind gentleman. All the "Sassy Singers" love Him.
Yolie Rod - (Sassy Singer)
Yolie Rod (Sassy Singer)
January 24, 2023
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.
Alan and Ruthy Berkey
May 14, 2021
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!
Yolie Rod
May 14, 2021
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
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Charlene N. Tiede
May 13, 2021
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
Polly Burkhart
May 7, 2021
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
Diana Drago
January 31, 2021
(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.
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