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Doug Dragoo
Ford executive from South Fayette lived by Eagle Scout values
By Jerry Vondas
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Throughout his life, Doug Dragoo lived by the tenets of an Eagle Scout, including integrity and trustworthiness.
His honesty and sense of fair play brought him the admiration of those who worked with him, said his wife, Linda Dragoo.
James "Doug" Dragoo of South Fayette, a retired Ford Motor Co. executive, died on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, in his home. He was 68
"Doug could be exacting and detail oriented, but those who worked with him or for him through the years often commented on his honesty, integrity and sense of fair play," said his wife. "When Doug was given a task that needed to be done, it got done."
Mrs. Dragoo, a mortgage loan officer based in Sewickley, recalled how much her husband enjoyed raising dogs, especially border collies.
"We have three border collies. Doug and I are both active members of the Border Collie Society of America and the American Kennel Club," she said. "Border collies are known for their brains, and not for their appearance.
"Doug was so highly regarded among dog show competitors that we were invited to compete both in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City and at the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, England," one of the largest in the world.
"Our border collie Lad, who Doug brought from Australia, has won many awards in show and performance competition here in Pittsburgh."
Born in Illinois and raised in the state of Indiana, Mr. Dragoo was one of five children of Harry and Elizabeth Ann Beasor Dragoo.
After graduating from high school in 1958, Mr. Dragoo relocated to California, where he received his undergraduate degree in business from San Fernando State College and master's degrees in business from both USC and University of California at Northridge.
Mr. Dragoo began his 33-year career with Ford in California until he was assigned to the company offices in Pittsburgh in 1975.
"We met in 1987 when we were both working out in a gym," Mrs. Dragoo said. "I couldn't help but admire his blue eyes. And I also found him to be an old-fashioned gentlemen. We were married two years later."
She recalled how much her husband enjoyed putting together model airplanes. "At one time, Doug had a pilot license."
In addition to his wife, Mr. Dragoo is survived by his siblings, David Dragoo, Hank Dragoo and Betsy Dragoo, all of Indiana, and Phillip Dragoo of Ohio. He also had a half brother, Scott Dragoo.
Friends will be received from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 6 p.m. Sunday at Beinhauer-Fryer Funeral Home, 430 Washington Ave., Bridgeville.
Jerry Vondas can be reached at jvondas@tribweb.com or 412-320-7823.
Donations have been made in Mr Dragoo's name by the following:
Barbara Garbutt
Thomas and Kathy Mutschler
Charles and Peggy Fetrow
Patricia Katrenik
Clarice Casper
Saint Agnes Parish School of Louisville KY
Peter Grandillo
David Dragoo
Betsy Dragoo and Deb Strickler
Bruce, Karen, Travis, Stacy and Ryan
David and Pamela Jordan
Dan and Jeanne Jones
Ed and Nancy Cononge
Mark and Dolly Nicely
Barbara Ann Winder
Tim Kimball
Glenn Hofer
Robert and Barbara Siemon
The Botkin Family
Dana and Julie DiVecchio
Joseph and Linda Janocha
