Obituary of George M. Dragotta

George Dragotta, resident of Pittsgrove, passed peacefully surrounded by love on September 30, 2020 at the age of 71. George started playing drums at the age of 8. He played in the family band, “THE LOLLIPOPS”, with his 2 older brothers, Dominic and Richard and his younger sister, Andrea (Sayre). They appeared on several Philadelphia TV shows including The Children’s Hour, Ted Mack and Chief Halftown. They performed on the Steel Pier with Tony Grant’s Stars of Tomorrow along with greats such as Fabian and Frankie Avalon. They played the 500 Club in Atlantic City and at the Flander’s Hotel in Ocean City. George attended Bridgeton High School and graduated from Lincoln Prep in Philadelphia. After graduating he and his brothers formed the “Brothers’ D” and toured the East Coast and played at the Montreal Expo in 1968 They disbanded when brother Richard joined the Marine Corps and George the Army. Both served in Vietnam. After his tour in Vietnam, George moved to California where he played with several Rock groups including Christopher Milk and Mallard still seen on youtube……… He developed a recording studio with partners and then moved the studio to Greece where he pursued his drumming career for over 18 years. George traveled the World with several trips to Asia, Australia and Europe playing professionally his whole life. For the last several years, he was the drummer with “First Ladies of Rock & Soul”, a 60s tribute band and had performed with Chuck Berry, Felix Cavaliere of the Rascals, the Drifters, the Platters and the Marvellettes. George had a kind heart, a great love of life and shined a light on all that knew him. He was a follower of the peaceful teachings of Prem Rawat. George was pre-deceased by his Dad Dominic and his Mom Mary (Berkey), as well as his brother Richard George is survived by his wife, Mary (Styles Harbs) of Pittsgrove Township, sister, Andrea (Sayre) of Upper Deerfield and brother Dominic and Judy (Whitcombe) of Maryland, sister-in-law Charlotte (Murray) and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life is being planned for a time in the near future. Arrangements were under the direction of the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, Upper Deerfield Township. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com. Donations may be sent to www.tprf.org/donate/ to benefit The Prem Rawat Foundation which promotes world peace and educates and fights world hunger.