Peter J. Draia

YOUNGSTOWN- Peter J. Draia, 97, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2019 at his daughter’s home.

Calling hours will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2019 at the Kubina Yuhasz Wasko Funeral Home. Another hour of calling will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish at St. Matthias Church, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Fr. John Jerek. Pete will be laid to rest at Lake Park Cemetery.

Pete was born August 4, 1921 in Youngstown, OH, son of Katherine Sharkovic from Golice, Poland and Vasile Draia from Transylvania, Romania.

He graduated from Scienceville High School in 1940 and attended Rayen Vocational School where he learned the machinist trade.  He married the love of his life, Ethel Sanders on January 16, 1943. 

Pete & Ethel had 2 children, 2 granddaughters and 5 great grandsons.

Pete’s first job was with Western Union peddling his bicycle all over Youngstown delivering telegrams.  In the early 40’s he played center field in the AA League for Youngstown Welding.  In the early 50’s Pete was active as an Assistant Cub Master in Cub Scout Pack 17.

Pete was a machinist at various tool and die shops in Youngtown for several years.   In 1969 he and 3 partners started their own business, Foreman Tool & Die where he retired from at age 75.

He loved antique cars and was a Charter Member of the Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club since 1978.  

After 20 years as Treasurer of Youngstown’s South Side SID Block watch, he retired at the age of 92.  He was recognized by Youngstown City Council for his years of service as a Treasurer and longtime member of the 7th Ward Citizen’s Coalition.  He was presented with the key to the City of Youngstown for his service and contributions as a volunteer and community activist.

Pete was a member of St. Matthias Church since 1960.  He was kind, generous and hardworking.  He loved sharing his many stories with family and friends, and will be greatly missed.

Other than his parents, Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel, who passed in 2006, and his two brothers, John and George.  He is survived by his son, Daniel (Barbara Bury) Draia, Charlotte, NC; his daughter, Dolores (Jim) Tripp, Ellsworth, OH; his granddaughter, Cindy Menendez, Fort Mill, SC; granddaughter, Tracey (Todd) Motto, Cincinnati, OH; and 5 great grandsons:  Nickolaus & Zachery Menendez and Henry, Jake & Luke Motto.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Robert Spratt and his staff for the many years of compassionate quality care. They would also like to say thank you to the Boardman Chick-Fil-A and Perkins for their kindness and friendship to Peter and his family.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial donations to the local Alzheimer Network, 4214 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44512 or the MVOCC Children’s Fund (Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club) P.O. Box 244, North Jackson, OH 44451.

Please visit www.waskofamily.com to send the family condolences.

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