Obituary of Allan R. Dragone

Allan R. Dragone, 80, distinguished manufacturing executive and corporate leader passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2006 at Rosenthal Hospice in Stamford, CT. Born April 20, 1926 in Melrose, MA, he was the son of the late Rudolph and Louise (Lyons) Dragone. After his service in the Navy during World War II, he earned an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Mr. Dragone enjoyed a four-decade career in the corporate world, where his business acumen influenced companies in the paper, textile, and chemical industries. He began as a market strategist for Carborundum Corporation in 1952 and went on to assume management positions within National Research, Champion Paper Incorporated, and Standard Packaging Company. Mr. Dragone joined Celanese Corporation in 1966 and ultimately held the post of President and Chief Operating Officer (1980 – 1983). After leaving Celanese, Mr. Dragone was President of Akzo America, a post he held until 1990, when he accepted the position of Chairman of the New York Racing Association (NYRA). For the previous twenty five years, Mr. Dragone had been an owner and breeder of thoroughbred horses, racing them under his December Hill Farm colors. Mr. Dragone retired from the NYRA in 1995 but remained active in the Jockey Club as well as on the Boards of Directors of a number of public and privately held companies and institutions. He was a long time member of the Board of Trustees of Middlebury College, acting as Chairman from 1983 to 1989. Mr. Dragone was a member of the Wee Burn County Club in Darien, CT and John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, FL. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jane (Brady) Dragone of Darien, CT; and his children, Allan Jr. of Atlanta, GA; Peter of Concord, MA; Christopher of Saratoga Springs, NY; Jennifer of Falmouth, MA; and Alyssa of New York, NY as well as by five grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Roman Catholic Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richard L. Rosenthal Hospice Residence, c/o Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, 1029 East Main Street, Stamford, CT 06905. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820