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Joseph Dragotta, 99

October 24, 2019

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Joseph John Dragotta, 99, of North Adams, Mass., died on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, Vt.



He was born in North Adams, Mass., on January 4, 1920, a son to the late Joseph and Raffaela (Vigna) Dragotta. He attended schools in North Adams, including Drury High School. He also attended Berkshire Community College. He was a decorated veteran of World War II, enlisting in the U.S. Navy in January of 1940. During his service he assisted in the evacuation of civilians from Singapore while under fire. He also served in combat in the invasion of Philippines, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. He was honorably discharged in October of 1945.



Mr. Dragotta was a longtime police officer for the City of North Adams for over 31 years until his retirement. He was a communicant of the former Holy Family Church. He was a member of the Clarksburg VFW.



Mr. Dragotta married his wife, the former Olive Grace LeBeau, on May 10, 1957, in Stamford, Vt. She died on January 3, 2013.



Survivors include his daughter, Cheri Dragotta; his son, Norman Gelinas; his two grandsons, Bruce and Wayne Gelinas; as well as nieces and nephews. He also leaves his long-time friend, Cynthia McGrory.



He was predeceased by his two sisters, Anna and Anna Dragotta; and three brothers, George, Damiano and Antonio Dragotta.



Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Joseph Dragotta will be held at the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at 11 a.m. followed by a burial with military honors in the Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at the Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home, West Chapel, 521 West Main Street, North Adams. Memorial donations made be made to the Activities Program at the Vermont Veteran’s Home through the funeral home. 




Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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I am so sorry for your loss of your Dad and my friend for many years i just visited him at the Vets Home about a month ago great guy he will be missed my prayers go out to the family Bob
from: ROBERT NICHOLSon: 10-29-2019

Cheri and Family- So sorry for the loss of your Dad.
from: Dale E Watermanon: 10-29-2019

I am so sorry to read that your dad passed sherry. I always had the utmost respect for him. He was a great man, who lived a good life. My prayers are with all of you.
from: Jacqueline cyr Andrewson: 10-27-2019

My Deepest Sympathy to the family of Joseph Dragotta. I met him while I was a member of North Adams Ambulance Service in the 1980's. He would respond many times to assist our service with numerous calls. He was a kind and gentle man who was always willing to help his community people. RIP. You will be missed. Thanks you for your service.
Caroline Martel
Pownal, VT
from: Caroline Martelon: 10-26-2019

Cheri, so sorry to hear about your Dad. It is hard to lose your parents but I believe they are in a better place.
from: Janice Andrewson: 10-26-2019

Mr. Dragotta worked with my dad for over 30 years. I fondly remember stories my dad told me involving all the “old timers” were involved in. One I vividly remember occurred in Nov. 63’ where both my dad and Mr. Dragotta were involved in a shoot out with a resident. My dad was injured but both wounded the suspect and saved his wife and infant daughter from possibly being hurt or even worse. Both were recognized for their heroic actions. Rest easy Mr. Dragotta. Godspeed.
from: Arthur Barbeau Jron: 10-25-2019

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