He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Josephine Barbagallo Drank, his parents, and two siblings. He is survived by his sister Mary Kazin; daughters Janet McCormick and Karen Shipman and their husbands; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
After graduation from high school, George applied for a position with the War Department and was assigned to Newark, NJ where he met his future wife, Josie in 1942. He was drafted into the Navy and finished in the top 10 percent of his class for the Aviation Radio School. He then proceeded to FL for Naval Air Gunnery School and then to flight operational training in the Grumman Torpedo Bomber (TBF). After serving as a radioman during WWll with Composite Squadron VC6, George continued his Government service at Patuxent River Naval Air Test Center, MD, from 1945-1975 and retired as a Senior Electrical Engineering Technician.
In retirement, George and Josie enjoyed traveling and spent their time between McKay’s Beach, MD and Haines City, FL, eventually settling in Haines City, FL. Following Josie’s passing, George moved to Collierville, TN, to be near family and spent the past three years in a wonderful community.
George showed tireless care and love for his family, his friends, his country, and his community. He was active in many community organizations during his life. He served as a Boy Scout troop leader, a life-time member and Exhalted Ruler for Elks Lodge 2092 in MD, and was a life member of the American Legion and the Lions Club. He also enjoyed gardening and was considered the expert picker of Maryland blue crabs among family and friends.
A memorial service and inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a remembrance can be made in George’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.
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