Obituary of Dr. Eugene E Drago

Dr. Eugene E. Drago, 88, longtime area cardiologist, passed away peacefully at his home on November 6, 2015, following a long illness. Born in Schenectady on March 14, 1927, he was the son of the late Charles and Florence (Fadale) Drago. After graduating from Nott Terrace High School in 1945 (where he excelled at football), he served in the Army’s 76th Battalion from 45-46. A graduate of Siena College (1951), he received his medical degree from Georgetown University (1955), followed by his cardiology training at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Drago, who was known for his excellent diagnostic ability, spent his entire career practicing in Schenectady. He served as Chief of Cardiology at both St. Clare’s and Ellis Hospitals. He was an avid sports fan with an encyclopedic memory--he could recite the athletes, plays, and scores of nearly every game he had ever seen. He also enjoyed playing golf, football, and baseball. His passion for sports and medicine were joined when he served as a physician at the Lake Placid and Sarejevo Olympic Games. On September 14, 1980, he married Paula Waselauskas; the couple met working together at St. Clare's Hospital. Gene was a man with a great sense of humor, who loved being with family and friends He was happiest spending quality time with family on Lake George and later on Cape Cod. Dr. Drago was predeceased by his brothers John, Joseph, Charles, Russell, his sister Lorraine Drago and his beloved daughter, Courtney Celeste Drago. Dr. Drago is lovingly survived by his wife Paula Waselauskas; his children: Sister Debbie Drago of Wickatunk, NJ, Jean (Scott) Comley of Schenectady, Patricia (Craig) Appell of Scotia, Susan Drago of Scotia, Eugene R. (Cindy) Drago of Glenville and Paula Katrina Drago of Washington, DC; grandchildren: Susan Jordak, Kelly and Amy Comley; Craig Appell Jr. and Jessica Callahan; and Kyle Drago. Three great grandchildren: Jordyn and Harper Callahan and Shirley Jordak. And three nieces, Mary Ellen (Frank) Pugliano, Karen (Armando Tebano) Drago, and Joanne (Michael) Stricos. Gene will be greatly missed by his family and loving friends with whom he celebrated many great times and who provided much needed comfort and support during his illness. The Drago family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. William Vacca for his friendship and daily visits to Gene. A special thank you to his aide, Kristen Long, who made him as comfortable as possible, thank you all. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 10 at 10 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 816 Union St., Schenectady with the Rev. John Provost officiating. Calling hours will be from 5-8 pm Monday evening at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville. Internment at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations in Gene’s memory be made to Collier Services, PO Box 300, Wickatunk, NJ 07766. Online condolences may be expressed at glenvillefuneralhome.com