Obituary of Thomas L. Dragone

Thomas Leo Dragone, age 80 of Trumbull, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2022 after a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Danbury on August 19, 1941, Tom lived in Trumbull for over 50 years with his wife Virginia Venesz Dragone. He lived life to the fullest, without apology or regret, and forging his own path.

Tom attended the University School in Bridgeport before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1959. He spoke fondly of his time stationed in Metz, France where he said he had the greatest job in the world—driving around his General. When he returned to the states, he joined the family wholesale car business, Mimi Dragone, Inc. in Bridgeport before taking over as President for the next 40 years. He built lifelong relationships through his many endeavors that stood the test of time.

Tom was a generous father and grandfather who enjoyed nothing as much as spending time with his family and making them happy. A mentor to his sons, he made sure they went to college, travelled the world, and supported them through the good and bad. Great memories were built on family trips to Paris, Disney, and Las Vegas, and he never passed up the chance to catch a Broadway play and dinner at Vincent's in Little Italy. Sundays were spent reading the New York Times, making meatballs, and enjoying a Manhattan or Appletini. For years, he was a member of Roton Point Association in Rowayton, and the family spent many summers there playing tennis, swimming, and picnicking on the beautiful grounds overlooking Long Island Sound. Tom loved playing tennis and played weekly for many years, often mixed doubles with Ginny. His biggest joy, however, was spending time with the Grands, 'The Dragone Six', and driving everywhere to see them participate in their school tennis matches, basketball games, or marching band competitions.

It was common to see Tom saunter around his or his sons' yards gardening, cleaning gutters, or finding something to fix. He loved travelling to antique shops to pick up quirky finds and had an affinity for collecting stamps and coins. An avid movie fan, he loved going to the theater and often took his grandkids to share his passion. In later years, Tom taught himself how to play poker and spent a lot of time at Foxwoods, even competing in several tournaments.

Besides Ginny, Tom is survived by his son, Carman (Nicole) of Southbury and his six beloved grandchildren Max, Spencer, and Charlotte, and Beau, Isabella, and Michael. He was predeceased by his son Michael (Marisa). He also leaves behind a sister, Patricia Michenko, brother, Robert Tappan, brother-in-law James Venesz (Susan), and several nieces and nephews.

All funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, at: www2.jdrf.org.

Friends may leave condolences at www.abriola.com.