Leo (Elio) P. Dragani of Port Chester, New York died suddenly at his home on April 1, 2007. He was 77 years old. Leo worked as a Distribution Superintendent for NY and CT American Water Company in both Port Chester and Greenwich, CT. He retired in 1989 with thirty-five years of service. Leo was born in North Tarrytown, NY to Bambina Sallese and Emidio Dragani. Leo was educated in Port Chester and graduated from Port Chester High School the Class of 1947. After post graduating, he volunteered with the U.S. Army from 1948-1950 with the 82nd Airborne. Leo had lived in Port Chester for the past sixty-two years. Leo played semi pro football for various teams around the country but loved the Father Alfonso Football Team in Port Chester. He continued his football career until the age of 39. He then became a football official with the New York State Association of Certified Football Officials and received an award for his contribution to Amateur Football from the Westchester Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. In November 2005 he received an Award from the Westchester County Football Association as an active member for forty-five years. Locally, he officiated with the Port Chester Midget Football League and because of his devotion to the children of P.C. he was honored to have the organization change the name to be the "Leo Dragani Midget Football and Cheerleading Division" after thirty-five years. Also a member of the Port Chester Old Timers Athletic Association -again with an award for outstanding athletic accomplishment on and off the field. Leo will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and best friend to "too many" people to count! Leo was predeceased by his mother, father, a brother and sister. He is survived by his children, Lisa Chimento and Dana Delzio of Florida and a son, Leo of Pawling, NY, and an adopted daughter, Michele Lipowiecki along with one sister, Bruna Grandison of Danbury, CT and a best friend, Barbara Kelly. His loving grandchildren are Tara, Matthew, Maria, Lee, Daniel, Vicki, Sara, Steven, Eddie, Eve and Katelyn, along with several nieces and nephews. Also one great grandchild, Fabian. Calling hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 4:00-8:00p.m. at Jos. Tutera Funeral Home, Inc. The funeral is 10:00a.m. Thursday at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery - Sleepy Hollow, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Summerfield Methodist Church or St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana 59004.

Published in the The Journal News on Apr. 3, 2007