Don P. Dragish, 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Don was born in Salem, Ohio, on July 29, 1941, the son of the late Peter M. and Katherine A. Lutsch Dragish. A lifelong area resident, Don devoted his life to his family, his community, and to serving others.

He was a proud graduate of Chaney High School, Class of 1959. Following graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country while stationed in Germany. After being honorably discharged, he continued his commitment to service as a member of the National Guard until August 1965.

On April 24, 1965, Don married the love of his life, Georgia Mary Bindas, at Holy Name Church. Together, they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, laughter, and countless cherished memories. They remained parishioners of Holy Name until its closing and later attended St. Christine Church.

Don began his working career at Youngstown Plant & Flowers Wholesale and later worked at Youngstown Steel Door. In 1966, he began what would become a long and dedicated career with the Youngstown Police Department. As a Youngstown City Police Officer, Don served his community with pride and dedication until his retirement in 1994.

Never one to sit still for long, Don continued his career at the Federal Courthouse as a Federal Marshal. He attended the police academy for fingerprinting and remained in service for another 22 years before retiring in 2016. Even then, Don continued to enjoy working, delivering wine to Valley distributors and restaurants.

Don was a man who found joy in the simple things. He took great pride in his home and yard, which were always beautifully maintained. He could often be found outside working in his yard, fixing something, or building something around the house. There was always a project to be done, and Don was happiest when he was busy making things better.

But above all else, Don cherished his family. He and Georgia treasured evenings spent together with their family, sharing a good meal, telling stories, and enjoying plenty of laughter. Don also loved traveling and vacationing with his family. Some of his happiest memories were made together in Florida and Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he enjoyed getting away, relaxing, sharing meals, and most importantly, simply being together with the people he loved. Those family vacations became treasured memories that his family will carry with them for years to come.

Don especially loved being a grandfather. He treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren and took great pride in being part of their lives. One of his favorite traditions was picking Georgie up from school. Don insisted on being the first car in line, sometimes arriving an entire hour early—just so he could be there waiting for him. It was one of the many ways he showed the people he loved just how much they meant to him.

Don leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories to be cherished by his beloved wife of 61 years, Georgia; his daughter, Sonya Dragish Hennessy of Youngstown; his son, Don P. Dragish of Canfield; and his three beloved grandchildren, Mary Kate Hennessy, Georgie Dragish, and Genevieve Dragish. His family will forever remember his unwavering love, his sense of humor, his hard-working spirit, and the countless ways he cared for each of them.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Rapasky, and his in-laws, George and Mary Bindas.

Though his family’s hearts are heavy with his passing, Don leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, service, devotion, and family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The memories he created with those he loved—from family dinners and laughter at home to cherished vacations in Florida and Hilton Head—will remain in their hearts forever.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Magdalene Parish, Saint Christine Church, 3165 South Schenley Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44511, celebrated by Rev. Edward P. Noga.

Following Mass, military honors will be presented by the United States Army and the Youngstown Police Department

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. Boardman.