Allan E. Draper

DRAPER, Allan E. – 82 of Mechanicsville, VA, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. He was born August 24, 1943, in Jersey City, NJ, and raised in Bergenfield, NJ, before moving to Dumont after his marriage to JoAnn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Eunice Draper; his niece, Allyson Folgo Cook; mother and father-in-law, Mary and Felix DiMaggio; and sisters-in-law, Fran Greaves and Grace Knapich. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, JoAnn Dimaggio Draper; his son, Michael Draper (Cynthia); his daughter, Lisa Gilman (Paul); five grandchildren, Stefanie, Emily, Zachary, Lindsay, and Melissa; his sister, Lynda Folgo(John); sister-in-law, Rose Dempewolf; brothers-in-law, Frank DiMaggio (Ernestine) and Joe DiMaggio (Kathie); and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Following graduation from high school, Allan proudly served his country in the US Army Special Forces as a Green Beret. After his service to our country, he worked as a manager for New Jersey Bell until retirement. He served the Dumont, NJ community as a volunteer firefighter for 27 years, even serving as fire chief in 1989. His service to his community continued as a junior league football coach, as a devoted Knight of Columbus at St. John’s (Bergenfield/Dumont, NJ) and at the Church of the Redeemer (Mechanicsville/2000-2026)  At Redeemer, he served on the cooking team, as an usher, as a cross bearer, and volunteer at the food bank and Caritas. Allan was a lifelong New York Giant fan, which brought him great joy, win or lose. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and Poppy and will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 AM, on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Church of the Redeemer, 8275 Meadowbridge Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116. A funeral mass will follow at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital or to the Church of the Redeemer. 

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