TAUNTON – Robert L. Drake, the husband of Louise (Jacques) Drake, died at Marian Manor on March 1, 2009.
He was 83.
Born in Lunenburg, VT, he was the son of the late Frank and Carrie M. (Avery) Drake.
Raised and educated in Vermont, he served in the U.S. Navy during WW II and the the Korean Conflict, and later attended the New Hampshire Institute of Technology, before moving to the Taunton area in 1952.
A welder for the Taunton Engineering Works for 12 years, Mr. Drake was subsequently employed by the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant, where he worked for over 30 years as a watch engineer, retiring at the age of 70.
A communicant of St. Mary’s Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, he was also a member of the VFW Post 611.
He enjoyed traveling, baseball, dancing and camping.
Besides his wife of 56 years, he leaves 5 sons, Robert L. Drake of Somerset, Edward F. Drake of Mansfield, Frank J. Drake of Freetown, Alfred D. Drake of Taunton and James A. Drake of Lincoln, RI; 4 daughters, Doris L. Arundel of Putnam CT, Nancy J. Landry of Colchester, VT, Carol A. Frazier of Taunton and Mary E. Carvalho of Taunton; a sister, Aura H. Berry of Ashland, NH; 18 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Drake was predeceased by a brother and 5 sisters.
His funeral will be held from the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway on Friday, March 6th at 8 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at St. Mary’s Church at 9 a.m.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Calling Hours will be on Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.
www.silvafuneralhome.com.