John Alexander Dragon

John was born in Troy, New York to Alexander Nicholas Dragon (Zan) and Floreine Carroll Dragon (Flo). The Dragon family resided in Bennington, Vermont until Zan and Flo divorced in the mid-1940s. Floreine moved John and his older sister, Carroll Jean, to Chicago, Illinois to live with their maternal grandparents, Samuel Eugene Carroll (Daddy Sam) and Florence Day Carroll (Grandma Dolly). John adored his grandparents and held them in the highest regard throughout his life. He was forever grateful for their open arms and loving guidance during his primary years and credits their influence in shaping his character and honing his great sense of humor.

Shortly after his graduation from South Shore High School, John enlisted in the United States Navy with a couple of high school buddies. Michael Milella and Jim Galbraith remained very special friends until his passing. John served as a radarman in the Operations Intelligence Division aboard a destroyer, the USS Dahlgren DLG-12, from 1962-1964 (and reserves until 1966). His service included deployment under the John F. Kennedy Administration during the Cuban Missile Blockade/Quarantine in November 1962. John was a proud American; he loved his country and considered himself privileged to serve. He shared many stories of his Navy experience, always with enthusiasm, animation, and a smile.

While at home on leave in 1963 John met Marjorie DiPentino in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She was stunning and he was captivated. They were married on September 5, 1964, three months after he was honorably discharged from service. John and Marjorie welcomed their first daughter, Gina Margaret, in October of 1965. After Gina’s arrival, they followed Marjorie’s family to Colorado which became their permanent home. In September of 1966 their second daughter, Carroll Joyce, completed the Dragon family.

John worked for Public Service Company of Colorado in Brighton and Alamosa before moving his family to Glenwood Springs in 1978. There, John and Marjorie purchased a small shoe store on Grand Avenue. Motivated by their entrepreneurial spirit, at one point they owned and operated four retail businesses simultaneously. Dragon’s Boot & Shoe Co. was a Roaring Fork Valley favorite for nearly 20 years.

A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan (thank you Daddy Sam), John stayed true to the Cubbies through thick and thin. Decades later, that dedication paid off. The 2016 World Series was exciting – a nail biter to the very end of game 7. And then, finally, “CUBS WIN!” John was moved to tears - what a memorable moment that was.

John enjoyed music of many genres and was a master puzzler. A voracious reader, John’s favorites were US history, US presidents, US Naval history, baseball and baseball greats, and, of course, everything Ireland. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and looked forward to that annual toast on March 17th in honor of St. Patrick – most often with a sipper of Bushmills or a pint of Guinness…sometimes both!

John’s heart of service was manifest throughout his adult life. He was a valued member of a number of community organizations: Jaycees in his 20s, Kiwanis through his 30s and 40s, and in church well into his late 70s, to name just a few. After retirement he found great joy in helping others, always lending a hand, providing a ride to church or a scenic tour of Colorado’s beautiful fall colors, and visiting neighbors.

John made friends easily with is his quick wit, sense of humor, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Always humble and genuine, he never knew a stranger. He was loved and respected, a treasure to his community until the end.

While he was baptized Catholic, John found his love for and personal relationship with Jesus at the Presbyterian Church in Glenwood Springs under the pastorship of Reverend Roy Altman. John was an active member and valued volunteer there for decades. Sunday mornings were a highlight of his week the last couple years as he greatly enjoyed attending The Orchard Church in Carbondale with daughter Gina. He was inspired by the enthusiasm and vast demographic of the congregation. He looked forward to the warm welcome he received each week and the encouraging message delivered by Pastors Daniel and Doug Self. This time was such a gift for both father and daughter. John kept Jesus in his heart and shared his personal walk in faith and passion for the Word with his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. We are blessed for the spiritual leader he was to all of us.

John is survived by his ex-wife Marjorie Dragon, daughters Gina Dragon Pedrick (Timothy) and Carroll Joyce Dragon, grandchildren Warren Alexander McPherson (Elizabeth), John Jacob McPherson (Jonsi), Sarah Nicole Dragon, Samuel Coletrain Dragon, great grandchildren Finn Jacob (3), Magnolia Ann (2) and Kimber Brooks (5 mos), beloved sister Carroll Jean Campbell, cousin Jim Carroll (Alyssa), all six DiPentino brothers and sisters, along with numerous and equally cherished nephews and nieces on both sides of the family. He was preceded in death by his parents Zan and Floreine, father-in-law and mother-in-law Albert and Margaret DiPentino and treasured step-mother, Ruth Dragon Croney (Ruthie).

Our family grieves the profound loss of a truly wonderful man. John embodied honor, integrity, faith, patriotism and generosity. We find comfort in reflecting on the full and adventurous life he lived, the lives he touched, and a world that is much better because he was in it.

John, Dad, Pop, Gramps, Papa John – your family is at peace knowing you rest comfortably in the arms of Jesus in the eternal home our Father God has prepared for you. We pray you rest in peace knowing you left us with absolutely no doubt how much we were treasured and deeply loved by you!

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ ~ Matthew 25:21

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization John supported for years up until his passing. Visit https://t2t.org/ online or call 718-987-1931 and reference the email address [email protected] to ensure your donation is properly posted in memory of John Dragon.