Nicholas J. Dragann, Sr., 92, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2013 in Ephrata.

Born in Bayonne, NJ, and living in Greenfield Park, NY as a child, he developed an interest in flying. As a teenager, he moved to California then graduated from the Curtiss-Wright Technical Institute as an Aeronautical Engineer. After working for Douglas Aircraft, he joined the Navy during World War II. He then worked for VERTOL Aircraft, followed by General Electric where he managed the NASA Bio Satellite Program, which placed the first monkey in outer space. Later in his career he became the manager of the Blackhawk helicopter program at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.

He enjoyed nature, building, painting, and spending time with his family.

He retired to Lancaster in 1985 where he lived with his wife of 68 years, Dolores Dragann. He is also survived by his two children, both of Lancaster, Nicholas Dragann Jr D.O. husband of Kathleen, and Raymond Dragann D.O. husband of Patricia; his grandchildren Christine, Erin, Shawn, and Brendan, and his great grandsons, Tyler and Greyson.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 from 10-11AM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11AM. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Nicholas' memory to the Ephrata Manor Benevolent Fund, 99 Bethany Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522. To send an online condolence, please visit  SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory 560-5100