"Mrs. Drake & Family, I would like to express my sympathy. I worked with Capt. Drake John for several years on Navy League business. I used to work in the print shop that printed the Navy League dinner programs. John was a joy to work with - we worked on many programs together. He was maticulous and professional; and at the same time very personable. I have nice memories of him. He was a gentleman and will be missed."
In loving memory of
Capt. John Francis Drake
December 28, 1925 - September 13, 2006
Portsmouth, RI - John Francis Drake, 80, of 20 Indian Avenue, Portsmouth, RI, died Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. He was the husband of Frances J. Warren Drake.Born in Boston, MA on December 28, 1925, he was the son of the late Louis E. and Julia McCarthy Drake.Captain Drake served in the United States Navy during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict. He served as Commanding Officer on the USS Luce DLG 7, the Ford County LST 708, the destroyer Compton DD705, and was the Commadore of the destroyer Div 122. Captain Drake was the commanding officer of the United States Navy Base in Newport, from 1972 to 1974 and was Chief of Staff of COMCRUDESLANT under Adm. Thomas Weschler. After his retirement from the Navy in 1980, he joined the VITRO Corp of Middletown, RI until he retired in 1995. He was a communicant of St. Barnabas Church, a lector, and also sang in the choir. Captain Drake was a board member and past president of the Newport Rotary Club. He served on numerous fund-raising committees including Newport Polo. Captain Drake was also a life member of the Navy League and the Portsmouth VFW.Besides his wife of 56 years, he is survived by his children Richard E. Drake of Deming, WA, Robert L. Drake of Portsmouth, RI, Laura A. Blackall of Chesapeake, VA, Catherine L. Coffey of Saratoga Spring, NY, Mary S. Riordan of Melville, NY, Donna M. Garcia of Santa Rosa, CA, Jean M. Fucile of Suffolk, VA, Theresa M. DeVine of Portsmouth, RI, his sister Sheila Weeks of Dedham, MA, his grandchildren Eric and Stephanie Drake of Sumas, Washington, Jennifer Henninger of Las Vegas, NV, Kelly Coffey of Quincy, MA, Kerry Golden of Sartatoga Springs, NY, Sarah and Kristen Riordan of Melville, NY, Jessica Drake of Norfolk, VA, Ashley and Anthony Fucile of Suffolk, VA, and Adian DeVine of Portsmouth, RI, and his great grandchildren Dakota Ann Drake of Sumas, Washington, and Kayla Henninger of Las Vegas, NV.He was the father of the late Diane R. Drake and the brother of the late Louis P. Drake, Mary T. Warner and Evelyn R. Scaramuzzo. His funeral will be held on Monday, September 18, 2006, at 9:00 am from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2006, from 1-3 and 6-8 in the funeral home.In remembrance of John Drake those that wish may make a donation to the Diane R. Drake Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Roger Williams University, Development Office, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI, 02809.
Tributes
"Dear Fran and family, I want to send my deepest condolences. I will not easily forget the love and friendship that you, John and my parents shared. I always enjoyed sitting in on your visits with each other. You both had a lovely way of bringing fun and joy with your visits. John's jokes will be missed. It is wonderful to read such thoughtful loving words from the many people who know and love you both. You are in my thoughts Fran and my prayers. Grace and Peace to you all, Love Susan"
"Bob and Family we are so sorry for your loss. Love Nancy and Liz"
"I'll always remember John, who I worked with at NUSC/NUWC, as a true gentleman. He was quiet and competent and did the most mundane of tasks with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. The Mk 48 torpedo program benefited a lot from his wisdom and help."
"On behalf of the men and women of the Newport Rhode Island Police Department, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, both Active and Retired, please accept our deepest and heartfelt sympathy and respect on the passing of your beloved husband & father, Captain John F. Drake, USN, Ret. He is the shinning example of a true professional, ?An Officer and a Gentleman?. You all remain in my constant thoughts and prayers. Semper Fidalis, Detective James E. Hazel Newport Rhode Island Police Corporal USMC"
"Dear Fran, John was my College buddy, my Navy buddy, my Fraternity brother and a best friend for 60 years. I will miss him so. My deepest sympathy to you Fran, and to your wonderful family. A mass will be said for John at Sacred Heart, Warner Robins in the near future. Love, Ed & Clara"
"To John's Family: John was always a true gentleman. A great fellow to work alonside, doing what had to be done to get the job done without reservation. I truely enjoyed his friendship while working at NUWC."
"Dear Cathy and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. Even though losing him is a great sorrow - he is no longer suffering and hopefully wonderful memories will bring you comfort as time passes. Love, Judy"