NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — George Damiano Dragotta, 100, formerly of North Adams, Mass., died peacefully in the arms of his daughter, Doreen Tustison, and granddaughter, Jade Hardy, on Sunday, September 3, 2017, at the Hospice Unit of the VA's Community Living Center in Long Beach, Calif.



He was born in Waterbury, Conn., on March 4, 1917 a son of the late Joseph and Raffaela (Vigna) Dragotta.



He was the widower of Gloria Ann (Moresi) Dragotta, whom he married on July 8, 1950. She died on October 9, 1980, after losing hard-fought battle to ALS. His daughter Doreen and granddaughter Jade were both the lights of his life and he will always be their hero and wind beneath their wings.



He attended schools in North Adams, graduating from Drury High School. He was a decorated veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Army as a sergeant. George was employed for over 30 years at the United States Postal Service in North Adams. He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church in North Adams.



George was a humble man that was honored and greatly admired by all those who knew him. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. George also enjoyed a good sausage pizza and a glass of red wine.



Survivors include two daughters, Doreen Tustison of Palos Verdes, Calif., who lovingly took care of him, and Deborah Mansfield of Springfield, Mass.; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Joseph J. Dragotta, and one niece, Cheri Dragotta, both of North Adams.



He was predeceased by a brother, Antonio Dragotta, who died on December 28, 1971.



Funeral notice: A Graveside Memorial Service to celebrate the life of George Dragotta will be held on Friday, September 8, 2017, at 2 p.m. with full military honors in Southview Cemetery, 1042 South Church St., North Adams, Mass. Donations in his memory can be made to the Veterans Hospital of Long Beach, Calif., or to the ALS Foundation in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.