With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of George C. Drago, loving husband, dad, and grandpa. George passed away at home on April 8, 2023 after a long journey with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. He was surrounded by his loved ones.

George was born on March 30, 1947 to George and Bonnie Drago in Port Chester, New York. He grew up in Port Chester with his brother Barry and large Italian family. During the Vietnam War he was stationed in Tacoma, Washington where he met and married Teri Danielson. He served for over a year in Vietnam as a 2 ^nd Lieutenant. After they married, George and Teri moved back to New York where they had four children. The family relocated to Powell Butte, Oregon in 1989 where George and Teri lived for over twenty years on acreage with dogs, cats, and horses.

George loved his careers, was always proud of his work, and provided for his family. He graduated from Columbia University with a degree in biochemistry. For years, he drove long haul trucks across the county, always delivering his loads early. He would later go on to get his nursing degree, and ultimately went to the University of North Dakota's medical school to become a practicing physicians assistant (PA). He worked in emergency rooms as a nurse and then PA for many years. He often served in very remote ERs, where he was the only provider. He saw his work as a vocation and got energy and happiness from it.

A lover of all creatures, George rescued animals both domestic and wild. He was known to save animals, bring them home, and nurse them back to health. Countless dogs, cats, and horses, always lived on the Drago "farm" and he loved each of them. When he wasn't rescuing animals, George loved watching television, listening to jazz music, and playing an occasional round of golf with his brother or kids. He was a fanatic New York Giant, Yankee, and Ranger fan!

George is proceeded in death by his parents George and Bonnie Drago. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Teri; brother Barry (Barbara) of Orlando, Florida; four children Allison (Kyle), Tracy (Lee), Carleen (Pete), and George; and five grandchildren Paxton, Emerson, Harrison, Franklin, and Tessa.

Funeral mass will be held on April 28 ^th at 12:10 at St. Leo Catholic Church (710 S. 13 ^th St., Tacoma, WA 98405) with reception to follow at West of the Waterway (1901 Dock Street Tacoma, WA 98402). The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of MultiCare Hospice for their love and dedication to George and his family in these last months. We also thank Cascade Park Active Day for their support of George over the last year. The best way to honor George is to go out and do what you love now. Don't wait for tomorrow!