Ballston Lake, NY – Mitchell Draina of Outlet Rd. died unexpectedly Monday, May 5, 2008. He was 55.

Born August 27, 1952 in Niskayuna, NY, he was the son of Alice Slivinski Draina and the late Andrew Draina. Mitch graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School, class of 1970. He went on to receive his degree in Physical Education from the University of Buffalo. Mitch was owner-operator for 30 years of Academy Lumber in Ballston Lake. He enjoyed working with his draft horses, fishing, playing cards and growing vegetables including strawberries and pumpkins.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Dolores (Zechner) Draina and his two sons, Scott and Kevin Draina, all of Ballston Lake; three brothers, Gerald Draina and his wife Nancy Jane of Haggerstown, MD, Denis Draina and his wife Susan of Malta, NY, Andrew Draina and his wife LuAnn of Ballston Lake; his mother-in-law, Beverly Zechner of Rotterdam, NY and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends gathered on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes in Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated this morning, May 9, 2008 at 9:30 at Our Lady of Grace Church, 73 Midline Rd., Ballston Lake. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Glenridge Rd. in Glenville.