Obituary: Michael Ambrose Dragon Jr.

He was born in Fairchance, Pennsylvania, as a second child of Michael Ambrose and Johanna (Pavlits) Dragon.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy (1948), Michael came to Florida in 1960s and practiced as the appreciated, well-known pharmacist in the Orlando area for more than 50 years. He started with Ligette Rexall Pharmacy in Dover Shores and retired from Albertsons Pharmacy at Dr. Phillips in August 2008.

Michael was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant 4th Grade.  Landing on the shores of France and then fighting through Belgium, Holland and Germany, Michael remained overseas during the surrender and the end of the war.

A passionate history, music and arts lover, Michael was involved in several local non-profit arts organizations as a member, volunteer, patron and donor and was one of the 13 patrons who founded in 1996 the Friends, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

A kind, loving gentleman, Michael will be greatly missed by his much-loved wife of 29 years, Jirina (Ina) Dragon; two sisters, Madelyn (Dragon) Krupa, of Pennsylvania, and Rita (Dragon) Seese, of Pennsylvania; two daughters, Michelle Smith and Lydia O’Hara from his previous marriage; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Dragon, of Ohio, and Dorothy Dragon, of Ohio; and his extended family throughout the U.S. and the Czech Republic.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, William Dragon and Richard Dragon.

Donations in Michael’s memory can be made to the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, 812 E. Rollins St., Suite 300, Orlando, Florida 32803.

Arrangements entrusted to the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations.