JOSEPH M. DRAGOTTA SR. – Obituary
Joseph M. Dragotta Sr., 77, of Franklinville passed away at home on Friday afternoon December 30, 2016. Born in Bridgeton on August 19, 1939, he was the son of the late Placido and Rosalie Costanza Dragotta. Raised in Vineland, he was a longtime resident of Franklinville. Joe was a farmer his entire working career. For many years he worked at Dee Brothers Garage and for more than 20 years at Vegefarms in Southampton. He worked as the farm manager until his death. He loved horse racing and often traveled to the former Atlantic City Race Track and also patronizing “Favorites.”
He is survived by three daughters, Cathy Jo Watson (fiancé Richard Hymer) of Hopewell Township, Joanne R. Reed (Daniel) of Pottstown, PA and Maria “ReRe” Morales of Franklinville, two sons, Joseph M. Dragotta Jr. (Beverly) of Millville and William H. Eckbold of Trenton, ten grandchildren, Dean H. Jr. and Jordan Watson, Joseph M. III, Dylan, Christopher and Tyler Dragotta, Jadon and Logan Reed and Joshua and Alex Morales. Additional survivors include three sisters, Mamie Pedrick of Pedricktown, Anna Panichello of Salem and Rose Dunn of Vineland, two sisters-in-law, Dora Dragotta and Mary Dragotta, both of Pittsgrove and several nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by three brothers, Dominic, Bob and Placido “Pete” Dragotta, a son-in-law, Dean H. Watson Sr., a niece, Lynn Lindle and a nephew, Keith Dunn.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St., Bridgeton on Thursday January 5th at 12 Noon. Rev. Ellen Rutherford of the Church of the Resurrection will officiate. The interment will take place at Laurel Lawn Cemetery in Upper Deerfield. Friends will be received at the funeral home Thursday morning from 10 until 12 Noon. Written condolences and tributes may be sent to the family when visiting freitag funeralhome.com.