Peter A. Drago

Drago, Peter A. EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. Peter A. Drago, age 64, of Waters Road, died on Thursday May 7, 2009 after a long illness. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. where he attended Boys High School and Brooklyn College. He lived in the Capital Region for the past 27 years. Peter's professional life was extensive, with more than four decades of public service. He began his career of service to others at the Brooklyn Public Library in 1963, where he rose to the position of Community Library Manager. His passion for politics led to an extraordinary career. He was special assistant to NYC Comptroller Harrison J. Goldin, served former Governor Mario M. Cuomo with distinction from 1983 to 1994 as director of scheduling, special assistant to the governor, and as New York's, and the nation's, first ever liaison to the gay community. He also worked with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and then with attorney general and Governor Elliot Spitzer. Prior to his retirement in August 2008, he was director of executive chamber operations for Governor David Patterson. Peter was the beloved partner of Michael P. Ryan, son of the late Peter and Pauline Drago and brother of Theresa Mazza and Robert Drago. He was a loving uncle to several nieces and nephews, adored by many aunts, uncles and cousins and was cherished by Michael's family. Peter was also blessed with many close friends who became his and Michael's extended family. On June 20, 2009, friends and relatives are invited to a celebration of Peter's life at Peter's and Michael's home on Waters Road in East Greenbush, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service for Peter at 3:00 p.m. Peter's favorite place to visit was the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. The family has requested that those who would like to honor Peter's memory make memorial donations in Peter's name to the Marginal Way Preservation Fund, PO Box 1455, Ogunquit, ME 03907 (http://marginalwayfund.org).