St. Mary Parish, La. 

Obituary for: DRAGNA, MATILE "MR. MAT" ANTHONY 

Submitted on: 

Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. 

Source: Hargrave Funeral Home, Morgan City, La.

Publish date or date of death (dependent upon source): 
Died Monday, May 24, 2010

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DRAGNA, MATILE "MR. MAT" ANTHONY 
July 27, 1920 - May 24, 2010

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Matile "Mr. Mat" Anthony Dragna, 89, a native and resident of Morgan City passed 
away at his residence Monday, May 24, 2010 after a lengthy illness. 

He was surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Mat known by many was dedicated to his country as well as his community. He 
proudly served our homeland with service through the United States Army, Oct. 
1942 - Dec. 1945. A courageous member of the infantry during WWII at Normandy 
including, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe.

Upon fulfilling his military obligations, Dragna returned home to Morgan City to 
begin a career that would span over 55 years of service with Dragna Shell 
Service Station. Mat truly enjoyed working with the citizens of the town. Over 
the years Mat's distinctive personality became a treasure to those who 
appreciated his raw character and flare for storytelling.

Mr. Mat's interests led him to become a member of the Knights of Columbus and 
Christopher Colombo Societies. A lifelong member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, 
Mr. Mat was devoted to his faith. His favorite pastimes include gardening, LSU 
baseball and football and the New Orleans Saints.

Mat devoted his life to caring for his family. He was a familiar face around 
town that will be genuinely and fondly remembered. He was well respected by many 
friends, business acquaintances and patrons. He will be sadly missed by his 
family and many, many friends.

He is survived by three daughters; Janet Howard and her husband Pascal of Morgan 
City, Anita Stanley and her husband Herb of Morgan City and Celeste Dragna of 
Breaux Bridge; a sister Genevieve Lipari of Patterson; nine grandchildren; 
twelve great- grandchildren; and his caregivers Pat Turner, Allen Joiner, Betty 
Malone, and Lee Esther Johnson.

Mr. Mat is preceded in death by his wife Hazel Landry Dragna; his parents Andrea 
& Frances Mula Dragna; his son and daughter-in-law Andrea & Christine Dragna; 
his granddaughter Jennifer Howard; his brothers Joe & Sam Dragna; his sisters 
Katie Mancuso, Camille Cortez, Mary Grizzaffi, Lucy Ratcliff, Dominique Saleme, 
and Beatrice Taylor.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at Holy Cross Catholic Church from 
8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.; with services starting at 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Mat will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

The East St. Mary Veterans Funeral Squad will conduct graveside Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church in 
memory of Mat A. Dragna.

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