Bjorn P. Dragsbaek

Bjorn P. Dragsbaek, 57, a Franklin resident of 18 years, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, after suffering heart failure while refereeing a soccer match - a game he deeply loved. He was the beloved husband of 22 years to Lynda (Smith) Dragsbaek - his best friend, his partner in every adventure, and the love of his life. He was a loving, devoted, and proud father to Jamie, Laney, and Bryce Dragsbaek, all of Franklin.
Bjorn is survived by his loving mother Lolo (Loretta) Dragsbaek of Sherborn, his father Villy Dragsbaek and his wife Geralyn of Hopkinton, his three brothers, Eric Dragsbaek and his wife Heather of Natick, Torin Dragsbaek and his wife Ann of York, Maine, and Niels Dragsbaek and his wife Kelley of Medway. Bjorn also leaves his brothers-in-law Graham Smith of Chatham, MA and Nigel Smith of Cheshire, CT, and their families. He is also remembered with love by his aunts, uncles, cousins, and many nieces and nephews, as well as a wide circle of close friends and colleagues he deeply cherished.
Bjorn was raised in Sherborn and graduated from Dover Sherborn High School in 1986. Bjorn went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Roger Williams University in 1990. He played baseball, hockey and his most loved sport of soccer throughout his life and served as captain at Roger Williams. He continued playing into adulthood, even traveling with his Connecticut team to the UK - a trip he cherished sharing with his teammates.
Bjorn began his career in telecom straight out of college. Over the years, he held many leadership roles and touched countless lives - working with Cellular One, Cingular Wireless (where he met Lynda), and AT&T; co-owning Nexgen Wireless with 12 wireless stores; leading business development at T-Mobile; guiding sales at Marketsource; and, most recently, serving for over seven years as the Senior Manager of Government Sales for New England at T-Mobile. He had a profound impact on everyone he led, worked alongside, or met throughout his career.
Bjorn was very active in Franklin Youth Soccer-he began coaching his children in Connecticut and when they moved to Franklin in 2007 he became a coach and volunteer immediately. He joined the FYSA Board in 2012 as the Instructional Division Director, a role he held for three years. He was instrumental in helping create FSC (Franklin Soccer Club) in 2014, working closely with a dedicated team of volunteers. In 2015, he continued coaching and volunteering, helping to launch the Franklin Soccer School. Bjorn went on to serve as the President of Franklin Youth Soccer from 2016–2022 where he was passionate about growing the program alongside the other Board members and countless volunteers. His charisma and humor as host of the Volunteer Appreciation Banquets made them a highlight for all who attended. He also coached all three of his children - and countless others - over the years, not only in soccer but also in basketball, baseball, lacrosse, and any other sport or activity they pursued. Coach D was deeply loved by all and left a lasting impact on countless players both on and off the field.
After four ACL and a couple of meniscus surgeries, Bjorn stopped playing and pursued reffing, he reffed regularly at Forekicks, throughout BAYS and was thrilled to Ref in the MTOC playoffs and finals just a short time ago. He was known for using every call as an opportunity to guide and support players of all ages. Most recently, he joined a new mentoring group for referees and was eager to continue serving others and passing on his skills and knowledge.
Bjorn also made time to enjoy kayaking, camping, fishing, and regular trips to Disney with his wife and children. Whether it was movie nights, coaching from the sidelines, or quietly sitting beside the fire, Bjorn was most alive when surrounded by his family. He poured his heart into being present, engaged, and full of love - not just a father, but a guiding force, a cheerleader, and a constant source of strength. He was a true family man, and his presence will be missed beyond measure.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, August 7th, from 4–8 p.m. at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street ginleyfuneralhomes.com
A private burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Franklin.
A celebration of Bjorn's life will be held in the coming weeks and announced for all to honor the remarkable, though far too short, life and legacy of an extraordinary man.
His legacy lives on most clearly in the family he adored and in the countless lives he touched by loving so well.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bjorn's memory may be made to:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-bjorn-a-great-husband-father-and-friend?attribution_id=sl:12913fd2-fdfd-41c4-97c8-412a1a3c54c6&utm_campaign=natman_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwL8i_BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtJ5sdNv7AHQ0rrCJ2bwb6CgxH2s-ZyFR-tjGVxyofkBKmqwzf_d699Hx6Ga_aem_qZa0CHX5GV6xBrP56uULDg