Easton, PA – Anthony “Tony” Dragotta, Sr, 98, of Easton, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospice House.
He was born on Ferry Street in Easton on May 23, 1924 but was raised in Phillipsburg, New Jersey with his brother Joseph. He was the son of Mary (Ribino) and Francesco Dragotta of Sicilian descent. He went to Reese School in Philipsburg then on to Philipsburg High School, where he played some football.
He worked at Philipsburg Print Mill, Simon Silk Mill in Easton and Bethlehem Steel for 30 years as a foreman/supervisor. He joined the US Army in February 1943 and was discharged January 1946, serving during WWII. He fought in the Rhineland as a rifleman and was also a medical aide. He was injured in a foxhole by shrapnel and received an honorable discharged with 4 war medals, one being a Bronze Star.
Tony married Jennie Torre from Easton on November 28, 1945. They were married 58 years until her passing in 2003. They raised four children in Palmer Township and then moved to Ft. Myers in the 80’s. He was a member of the Elk and Moose and was “Elk of the Year”.
Tony was a coach for the two baseball teams for the Palmer Athletic Association. His team, the Cubs, won the championship in 1962. He was a Scout Master for many years guiding Cub Scouts to their awards. He and his wife ran Bingo in Ft. Myers for many years.
He is survived by four children, Rosalie Mancino and her husband Allen, Anthony Jr. and his wife Blanche, Samuel and his wife Sarah, and Kathleen Kelly. He has six grandchildren, Michael Mancino, Anthony “AJ” Dragotta III, Kristin Dorsey, Nicholas Dragotta, Philip Dragotta, Roseanne Rauenzahn and 9 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a daughter, Mary Ann and a son-in-law, Ken Kelly.
Tony was a very sociable, fun loving and positive. He always had something to say to everyone in passing. He enjoyed crafts, especially seashells, beads and wood. He loved Sodoku puzzles and collecting seashells on the Sanibel beaches. He was always giving things away to make people happy. He will truly be missed.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton (Palmer Twp.) with a funeral service to follow. Interment will take place at Gethsemane Cemetery, Palmer Twp., PA.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Anthony’s name to St. Luke’s Hospice House, 2455 Black River Road, Bethlehem, PA 18015, Suburban EMS, P.O. Box 3339 Palmer, PA 18043-3339, or the Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorporject.org, 370 7th Avenue, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10001. Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com.
