Lawrence Drago

Cheshire - Lawrence Drago, 83, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Yale New Haven Hospital - St. Raphael Campus, surrounded by his two daughters.

He was the husband of the late Joanne (Dadio) Drago, married for 50 years.

Lawrence was born February 9, 1942, in New Haven, the son of the late Anthony Earl Drago and Esther Helen (Brideau) Drago. A longtime Cheshire resident, he was a communicant of St. Bridget of Sweden Parish and had worked for Clear Channel Communications as a Senior Account Executive in radio sales for WELI, WKCI, and WAVZ.

He was known to many as Larry. He loved being around people with his big personality, distinctive voice, and tall stature. He was happiest while attending events, working in sales, or meeting old friends for lunch.

He began his career at WCDQ in sales and broadcasting in the late 70’s. A master of the ‘handshake deal’, Larry had more than four decades as a cornerstone of the sales team at WELI. He just didn’t sell airtime; he championed local business and built lifelong friendships across Connecticut.

He earned the first President’s Club award in Clear Channel History. In turn, making him the highest billing salesperson for any single month in the history of Clear Channel. To Larry, a client was always a friend first, and his legacy will be remembered by many. He will always be known as the OG of Radio Towers Park. Larry was a peerless mentor to generations of young professionals. He took pride in ‘showing them the ropes’, teaching them that true sales wasn’t just about closing the deal but about building a relationship based on integrity and trust.

He was the mastermind behind many unforgettable radio promotions in the New Haven area. Larry spent countless Saturday mornings working in the infamous WELI Satellite Studio with well-known on-air personalities such as Ron Rohmer, Glenn Beck, and Vinnie Penn.

Larry’s long-term work within the radio industry introduced him to his love of vintage radios. He collected a variety of old radios, which included his love of selling and trading them with people near and far. An even bigger hobby was collecting antique cars, attending car shows, and cruise nights with his family.

His two loving daughters, Glynis and Melinda, both dedicated themselves to caring for their dad during his difficult times. Larry was more blessed than he could ever know. They provided him with loyalty and commitment to ensure that he was able to remain home as long as possible. Larry was fortunate to have two beautiful grandchildren, Victoria and Roczen. Both had special relationships with their Pop-Pop and will miss him dearly.

The volume may have lowered a little in the world of radio, but the light of the legendary Larry Drago is still shining bright on the radio dial!

He is survived by his daughters, Glynis Teator and her husband Matthew, Melinda Welch and her husband Jay; his grandchildren, Victoria Teator and Roczen Welch. Also, his sister Sharon (Sherri) Sullivan, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Arrangements - A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, at 10 AM at St. Bridget of Sweden Cemetery. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire is assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bridget of Sweden Parish or the Lincoln Motor Car Heritage Foundation.