Anthony Drago Obituary

Anthony "Tony" Drago, 71, Minot, died Thursday, August 21, 2025 in a Minot hospital.

Tony was born on Saturday, September 26, 1953, in Cleveland, OH, to Thomas and Anna (Dillow) Drago. He was raised and educated in Cleveland, attending Cleveland Central Catholic High School.

In November 1971, as an 18-year-old, Tony made the significant decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, a testament to his patriotism and courage during the Vietnam Conflict. His service was marked with distinction, earning him the Rifle Marksman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged with a rank of Lance Corporal in November 1973, the same year he met the mother of his children, Anthony, Jason, Angela, and William.

Throughout life, Tony's adventurous spirit led him to diverse careers, including roles at Sears, CP Rail, Farstad Oil, the Cleveland Division of Police, and a correctional officer at the Ward County Jail, earning him two lifesaving awards. He proudly served as a firefighter in the State of California, a volunteer firefighter for the Minot Rural Fire Department, employed by the City of Minot, and even worked with a grandson at Walmart.

On Saturday, March 23, 2013, Tony, a man of many passions, married Catherine Evans. Cathy and Tony made their home in Minot and enjoyed attending rodeos, listening to blues and country music. But above all, he cherished his time with family and friends, often playing Scrabble, Cribbage, and Pinochle. His most favorite moments were the ones he shared with his grandchildren.

Tony was a longtime member of the San Leone Society of Cleveland, OH, a group proud of its Sicilian customs, values, and traditions, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Tony was preceded in death by his mom and dad, as well as his older brother Jimmy.

He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love. His wife Cathy, and his children: Anthony Keel, and his children Shannon, Gabby, Megan, and Kaitlyn; Jason (Tiffany) Drago, and their daughter Anna; Angela (Kenneth) Pixler, and their children William "Bubba", Clara, and Katie; Billy (Steph) Drago, and their children Thomas, Jacob, and Lizzy. Through marriage, Tony was honored to welcome additional children: Leslie Drago and her children, Hannah and Ethan; Shannon Dennis and her children, Shawn, Seth, and Elijah. Tony is also survived by his sister, Terri (Jeff) Rak, and their children, Sara and Tyler. A nephew and several cousins also survive him

Visitation: Friday, August 29, 2025 from 10 am until service time at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Funeral Service: Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11 am in Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot.

Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Memorials may be sent to Tony Drago family c/o Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, 21 3rd Ave SW, Minot, ND 58701.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to Thompson-Larson Funeral Home's YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/@thompson-larsonfuneralhome3198