Samuel L. Drayo, Jr. 1940-2026

It is with heavy heartsthat we share that Samuel L. Drayo, Jr. peacefully passed away on November 11, 2026 at age 85. Sam was a proud life-long resident of the Village of Fredonia. He was born December 27, 1940 in Dunkirk, NY. He graduated from the Fredonia Normal School (campus school at Old Main-kindergarten thru 8th grade) and Fredonia High School in 1958. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1962, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He completed courses at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He was a 1965 graduate of Syracuse University College of Law earning a Juris Doctor degree. Sam served two years in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968, attaining the rank of Captain. He was awarded the U.S. Army Certificate of Achievement and National Defense Service Medal. He received an honorable discharge in 1968. In 1968, Sam joined his Dad, Samuel L. Drayo Sr., and twin brother, David C. Drayo, in his family’s Fredonia law practice. Sam’s son, John D.

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