Edward J. Dragony

EDWARD J. DRAGONY, age 74, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his Seven Hills home of natural causes on December 7, 2020. Beloved father of Patricia Dragony (Sean Michael). Dearest brother of Daniel, James and Marybeth. Cherished former husband of Alexis (he is always and forever her “Dear, Dear Burd”) and of Barbara. Beloved cousin of Ernest, Marilyn, Annette, Carol Ann, Mary, Barbara, David and Donald. Favorite uncle of Jennifer.

Absolute best of friend to Steve, Kevin, Joel, Jerry, George, Lenny and Gerry, their spouses and their children, dear friend to many, many more. Devoted, supportive cast and crew member to hundreds in the Cleveland theater community, most recently appearing as “Mother Flanagan” in the popular improv show, “Flanagan’s Wake”. As John B. (Father Damon Fitzgerald) says, “Ed was the backbone of Flanagan’s Wake. Though his part wasn’t as showy as some, we truly could not have done so many years of the show without him. As both “Mother” and “Flanagan”, he brought the show to life in a way few others did. Not bad for the show’s dead guy.”

Born July 15, 1946 in Cleveland to Edward and Elizabeth Dragony, Edward graduated from Parma High School in 1964 where he lettered in football, wrestling and track. He was a handsome, smart, good and loving son, never giving his parents any worry. During high school, he was an Explorer Boy Scout, as well as studying ballet and tap dance at the O’Connor Dance Studio. He began his lifelong love affair with motorcycles and cars about that time—fun weekends with the pit crew at Dragway 42 with the Kilbane Dodge Hemi. Later he became interested in photography and built a darkroom.

Edward enriched Alexis’s life by marrying her, they had baby Patricia, and they all proceeded to grow up together at the same rate. Earlier he had attended college at Tri-C, then worked for Alex Michael, his father–in-law (yikes—tough gig!) at Independence Auto Body. Upon taking over the body shop after Alex retired, Ed made countless customers happy over the next 40 years.

Due to an accident during his early years at the body shop, he sustained burns over 35% of his body. His silent courage during his long recovery after a month in Metro’s burn unit was a marvel to us all.

Soon after his recovery, he discovered his other lifetime passion of participating in and supporting community theater. If Ed was not in a show, he was rehearsing a show (sometimes both at once) at St. Angela’s, Huntington Playhouse, Beck Center, and Brecksville among others. We are so proud of him and his acting career!  While Ed loved the audience attention, he was self-effacing, quite content to have his cast members receive the most attention. He always attended the shows of every actor he knew.

Edward was a man of quiet integrity who truly exemplified his Catholic religion, living a selfless and Christ-like life. His heart was huge and generous. After he retired, he walked to daily Mass, volunteered at Holy Family Hospice, and baked cookies for a friend’s mother and the staff at a nursing home. He lived solely to help his family, friends and everyone else, make them laugh and make them happy. He was the quintessential good guy. He would do anything for anyone, and he often did. He never threw anything out, and he could fix anything. Cousin Ernest has said he can never repay Ed for everything he did for him. Fifty years ago, a lifelong friend said “I will never know a finer, better human being,” and states that is still true today.

Ed’s love, spirit and kindness will live on through the many lives he touched. We are all better for having known him.

We think Edward simply got tired of being old and left us to ride his motorcycle in heaven. Rest in peace, Edward—good show!! We simply cannot imagine a world without you in it somewhere!

Patricia and Alexis are deeply grateful to everyone listed above who rendered daily assistance to Edward after his cardiac incident in May, 2019. There are no words to thank you for your love for him.

Livestreamed Funeral Mass will take place at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 6740 Broadview Road, Parma, Ohio on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Please meet at the church. Interment thereafter at Resthaven Memory Gardens, 3700 Center Road, Avon, Ohio. Social distancing and masks required. Arrangements by The Ripepi Funeral Home; full obituary at Ripepi.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Holy Family Hospice where Ed had been a volunteer (staugministries.org) or a charity of your choice. He would like that.

Meantime, please take a moment to pause and recall your favorite memory of Ed. He deserves to not be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life for both Edward and “Mother Flanagan” is planned for the future once we get our lives back.

To Flanagan, to Flanagan, the grandest of all men.

If he should die another day, we’ll have the wake again!

To Flanagan, to Flanagan, the kindest of all men.

If he should die another day, we’ll have the wake again!

The livestream is available at https://youtu.be/XVkdRPIupCM