Joseph R. Drago M.D.

Joseph R. Drago, M.D., 77, of Estero, FL, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, June 23, 2025. He was born on October 28, 1947, in Jersey City, NJ, a beloved son of the late Rosario P. and Betty L. (née Brisgal) Drago. Dr. Drago was raised in the Bronx, New York.
He pursued his undergraduate education and obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Illinois. He completed his residency at Penn State University at Hershey Medical Center. He served as a urologic surgeon at the University of California at Davis as well as at Hershey Medical Center before becoming the Chief of Urological Surgery at The Ohio State University. He then entered private practice in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, before his initial retirement to Florida where he continued to serve others by working at the Veterans Administration Clinics in St. Petersburg and Cape Coral before fully retiring in 2018.
A man of strong faith and deep compassion, Dr. Drago was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Light Catholic Community, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Sacristan at the 7:00 AM Mass every Sunday. He was actively involved in fundraising for the parish, including efforts for the building fund and liturgical needs. He helped organize numerous charitable golf outings and was a proud member of the Knights of Malta and Knights of Columbus Council 10498.
Joseph cherished spending time with his beloved wife, Diane, and his family including children, Andrea, Daniella (Quill) and Denise and his grandchildren, Jade, Joey, Ashton, Emma, Trevor and Annabelle. He enjoyed spending time together with his family through cruising the world every six to eight weeks and hosting the best bingo games on land and sea.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 3:15 PM at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community, 19680 Cypress View Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33967. Burial will follow in the parish memorial garden.
Memorial contributions in Dr. Drago's memory may be made to Our Lady of Light Catholic Community for Liturgical Vessels at the address above.
To sign his guest register or leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
The following eulogy was given by his brother in law Dean Reben.
When I think of Joe two words come to mind, "Family First." I first met Joe and his family when he was dating Diane and I was dating Denise. Attending several parties, either in the Bronx or New Rochelle, we always finished our meals by playing whiffle ball, basketball, or poker.
Joe and Diane organized dozens of family bonding vacations. The family would travel internationally and domestically. They loved to cruise and go on day trips around the area. As busy as Joe would be with work he would come home to be with family. He was awesome on the grill. I could never understand how he would cook burgers, chicken, hot dogs, and steak all at once. Everything was perfectly grilled.
When Joe had a day off, he always found time to spend with the grandkids. He loved to fish, watch football, golf, basketball, and baseball with Joey, Ashton and Trevor. Joe enjoyed watching Emma and Annabelle dance. He and Diane often brought the twins, Joey and Jade, on vacation. Joe and Diane were extremely proud of their kids, Andrea, Daniella, and Denise. It is no coincidence that they all live within a few miles of them. Again, family first.
My brother-in-law holds a special place in my heart-a friend, mentor, confidant, and even another brother. Though every relationship is unique, the loss of Joe leaves an irreplaceable void.
I am not sure if many of you know that Joe and his brothers worked several summers at Yankee Stadium selling assorted items. This included working double headers, which were popular at that time. They loved the Yankees. Not sure if this is true, but Joe was seen selling hot dogs to some of the players on the bench.
Joe was an avid golfer. He would play quite often and elevated his game shooting in the eighty's. Whenever Denise and I would visit Joe and Diane, whether in Ohio, Pennsylvania or Florida, Joe invited me to play a round of golf. He would pay for my club rental and lend me a set of clubs. I often remember Joe waiting on the green for me when I was still trying to hit my ball out of the woods. Joe loved watching movies, both in the theatre and at home. He and Alexa had developed a great relationship.
As Joe's health declined, I always enjoyed discussing politics and family matters in his living room. In case you were not aware, Joe was a proud Reagan Republican. He and I would consistently call each other to compare notes, even when he was hospitalized. My family will always appreciate the generosity of Joe and Diane.
Dr. Drago was an exceptional surgeon. He was invited to speak at numerous medical conferences worldwide. A quote from William Osler, "A good doctor treats the disease, a great doctor treats the person with the disease." Joe was a great doctor. He was empathetic, compassionate, and resolute. He believed in being upfront and direct.
He is credited with saving the life of Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's. Dr. Drago, when working at the Veteran's Clinic, would see the most veterans of any Doctor. He unquestionably respected each one of them. Joe was always willing to speak with my brothers and friends who had vital health questions. I know he was well respected by his colleagues.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home – Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.