John R Dragoni Sr.

John R. Dragoni, Sr, 98, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri died Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Cape Girardeau Missouri Veteran's Home John was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in Ipswich, Massachusetts. He graduated from Ipswich High School and at the age of 18, enlisted in the Army Air Corps Cadets. He attended Davidson College in North Carolina and began his training as a pilot. He later flew as a radar navigator on the B29 Superfortress. During WWII, he served in India, China, Guam and Tinian. He flew 18 combat missions to Japan and other enemy targets. He received two Air Medals, the China Medal from the country of China and also one from the United States, five Battle Stars and other medals. In 1947, he married Ruth Mackenzie and had two children, John Jr. of Chaffee, Missouri and Carla Dragoni of Henniker, New Hampshire. Ruth passed away in 2005. He leaves his two children and two grandsons, Michael (Amanda) Dragoni and Mark (Lissa) Dragoni; and three great grand-children. He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Anthony Dragoni; two sisters, Ann Adams and Rita Avelis; daughter in-law, Gayle Dragoni; and grandson, Justin Dragoni. John was vice president of Ammco Tools and later of Hennessey Industries. He served on the board of the Motor Equipment Manufacturers Assn. of the Equipment and Tool Institute Supply Division of National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Assoc. and the International Overseas Club. In these capacities, he traveled most of the world, opening new markets for US made equipment. He was past president of the Automotive Boosters Club of New England, and also a member of the President's Forum of Chicago, Illinois. When he lived in Brentwood, Tennessee, he was post commander of their VFW. He was a member of the VFW post 3838, The American Legion Post 63, an Associate member of the Marine Corps League and the Disabled American Veterans He lived in Boston and Ipswich, Massachusetts; Lake Forest, Illinois; Brentwood, Tennessee and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude's Hospital, in tribute to Justin Dragoni (tribute # 329485) Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, December 18, 2023 at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will begin at 5:00pm A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau with Fr. Jesse Hiett officiating. Entombment will be at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

John R Dragoni Sr.

May 9, 1925 - December 13, 2023