Mr. Ronald W. Drager

Mr. Ronald W. Drager, 93, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Fort Collins, CO, on April 3, 1932, he was the son of the late Sidney and Dessie (Bruner) Drager. Ron graduated as valedictorian from Cache La Poudre High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University. In 1954, Ron enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served his country until receiving an honorable discharge as a Second Lieutenant. He attended Electronic School at Aberdeen Proving Ground and was later assigned to Frankfurt Arsenal, where he worked on aircraft gun systems. In December 1956, he accepted a position with General Electric in their Naval Ordnance Department. He was transferred to Pittsfield, MA, in 1957, where he became the youngest of 40 engineers tasked with designing, developing, and testing guidance systems for the Polaris, Poseidon, Trident, and Navy SeaWolfe radar programs. He retired after 38 years of dedicated service and was a proud member of the GE Elfun Society. When not at work, Ron could often be found tending to his gardens. He cultivated several vegetable and flower gardens, which were frequently admired by neighbors and passersby. Ron was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 48 years, Sandra Jean (Trudgeon) Drager. They were married on May 10, 1958, and shared a deep and lasting bond until her passing in 2006. He was also deeply saddened by the loss of his identical twin brother, Robert Allen Drager, who passed away in 2016. He is survived by his children: Stephen; Leslie (Richard Hall); Daniel (Jan); and Mark (Cathy); as well as his cherished grandchildren: Casey, Sydney, Rebecca, Amanda, Deena, Kirsten, Shane, and Daniella. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Ron will be Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 12noon at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. Those who would wish to visit beforehand are invited to gather at the funeral home from 11am until 12noon. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald’s memory can be made through the funeral home to the Berkshire Concert Choir.

Mr. Ronald W. Drager

April 3, 1932 - August 25, 2025