Paul Draino

Paul Samuel Draino died Jan. 5, 2008, of natural causes at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. He was 76.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today at Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. June 21 at the Palmer Moose Lodge to give family and friends from out of state an opportunity to attend.

Draino was born Aug. 26, 1931, in Winfield, Ill. He became an Alaska resident in 1965 and was a 42-year resident of Palmer.

Draino retired from the Teamsters Local 959 union and was a member of the Moose Lodge, Masonic Mason, Elks Club and Shriners. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and traveling in his fifth-wheeler. He was the founder and vice president of the Alaska Snowbird Picnic in Yuma, Ariz., for many years.

Draino was a most caring man with very high family values. He would do anything for his family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Terry Smergalski and Rory Draino of Illinois, and Dale Draino and Jemella Swanson of Palmer; grandchildren, Shelia, Randy, Lee, Tony, Billy and Amy. He is also survived by many nephews and great-grandchildren.

Draino was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, parents, Sam and Theresa, brother Frank and daughter Debbie.

Memorial contributions can be made to any children’s charity of choice in memory of Draino.