Robert L. Drake, age 84, of Mystic, CT, formerly of Noank, CT, died May 9 in Academy Point at Mystic with his wife by his side following a five-year battle with dementia.
He was born Dec. 7, 1931, in West Hartford, CT, the son of Delmer H. and Eleanor (Lux) Drake, attended local schools and spent childhood summers in Gloucester, MA. In the U.S. Army in the 1950s, he was crew chief of airplane technicians in Fulda, Germany.
He was married to Pamela Knox Ray of West Hartford from July 29, 1956, until her death from breast cancer in 1977. Most of that time their family lived in Noank. He married Mary R. Maynard of Noank on April 20, 1985.
The great-grandson of a Gloucester fishing schooner fleet owner, Bob loved sailing. He owned boats since age six, later cruising Southern New England waters in a succession of small craft. In 1973, he and his family (wife Pamela and four sons) set sail from Noank on their 43-foot ketch, Kismet, for Marathon, FL, and the Bahamas. Bob continued cruising the Caribbean until 1980, and wintered in the Florida Keys or Georgia until last year.
A jack-of-all trades, woodworker, gardener and home renovator, Bob became a photographer in 1985, illustrating Mary’s articles for Soundings and other publications. Before going cruising he had been a mechanical engineer in research, development and quality control. Always he tried to “put a little fun into every job to be done”.
During the 30+ years he lived in Maine, he enjoyed boating,hiking,music and visits from and following the activities of his sons and their families, of whom he was extremely proud.
He leaves his widow, Mary of Mystic; four sons and their wives, Peter (Amanda) of North Stonington; David (Judi) of Gales Ferry; Christopher (Billie Jo) of Noank,, and Bruce Drake of Groton; seven grandchildren: Amy, Alyssa, Zachary, Christian, Rilee, and Timothy Drake and Kelsey Drake Capalbo; two step-grandchildren: Alexandra and Adrian Abbiati; three step-children: Molly Maynard Benetti (Rich), Gary Maynard (Kristi) and Hudson Maynard (Jennifer Nightlinger); seven other step-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A family graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. June 3, 2016, at the Lux/Drake plot in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford, CT. Friends are invited to a celebration of Bob's life from 4:30 to 7 pm on June 3 at the Drake's home in Mystic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Adult Day Center of Westerly, RI, VITAS hospice or charity of your choice.
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