Francis (Frank) Drago died peacefully at his home on November 2, 2022, he was 96. He is survived by his children Diane Taylor (James), James Drago (Robin), Peter Drago, Carol Knappich (Thomas) and Patricia Ferrara (Alan) and stepchildren Don Preston (June), Lona Preston, eleven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many step-great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Betty Drago (Keller-Preston), stepson Mike Preston, and ex-wife Kathleen Drago (Karney), parents Peter G. Drago and Mary Drago (Leone), siblings John Drago (Lorraine), Louis Drago, Peter Drago (Rosalie), Rosalie Paone (Louis) and Grace Drago.

Frank graduated from East High School in 1944. His work career began at the age of 18 at Eastman Kodak making grenade shells to support the war effort. Motivated to do more he attended RIT and University of Rochester where he graduated with a degree in chemistry. He worked in Kodak’s the chemistry labs, research and development, restoration and archiving retiring after 43 years.

Frank was active in the photographic and engineering societies of Rochester, RIT alums, Huggers Ski Club and George Eastman House into his early 90’s. He facilitated the creation of the RIT Peter Drago Endowed Architecture Fund and an archive of Peter Drago Architectural Drawings to honor his father, who was a city and private architect in Rochester. Frank’s involvement in his father’s business created a love for construction. Frank was adept at carpentry, plumbing, electrical and masonry. His building projects included foundations, houses, concrete patios, pole barns, picnic tables and benches.

Frank lived life to the full. His interests were wide and varied. In the category of food and hospitality he loved organizing dinners, cook outs, clam bakes, wine and sausage making, bread making and teaching others to make bread. He loved to regale listeners on the history of Rochester and his Italian heritage. One favorite memory he had was riding the trolleys in Rochester and remembering the streets with a mix of cars and horse drawn wagons. Frank loved the outdoors – hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and camping trips with his family. He loved working in the woods cutting trees and maintaining the six wooded acres of his home. Love of travel and the ocean water caused Frank to take many Windjammer cruises with his wife Betty and later solo trips on freighters traveling the world.

Frank found ultimate joy and comfort attending and being a part of his son’s Christian fellowship. He was a follower of Jesus Christ and now waits for his return.

Frank touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Frank had a full and blessed life; we are all grateful to have been a part of it. There will be a memorial service at White Haven Memorial Park at the All Seasons Chapel, 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY 14534 at 11:00 AM on Saturday November 12. Open house reception following at the home of Peter Drago, 190 Walworth Penfield Road (Route 441), Macedon, NY 14502 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the, “Peter Drago Endowed Architecture Fund,” at RIT Donation Webpage.