Richard M. Drake

Richard Milton Drake, 85, passed away peacefully at home on November 22, 2021.  Rich was born to the late Milton and Frances Drake on May 21, 1936.  Originally from Hanover, Maryland, where his parents owned a country store and ran the local Post Office, Rich and his wife of 63 years, Beverly Drake (nee Ortt) raised their three sons in Glen Arm, Maryland.

Rich graduated from the Johns Hopkins University with a Masters in Engineering. He was Editor of the VECTOR Engineering magazine and played first string clarinet at JHU.  Rich spent his entire career at Westinghouse, where he led the robotics division and worked on the radar systems of multiple aircraft. He was a faithful volunteer for VME, providing engineering expertise to create better lives for individuals with disabilities, and their families.  In his leisure time, Rich enjoyed traveling, a good game of golf, fishing, and summers in Ocean City.  He was an avid Maryland sports fan, loved music, dancing and singing with friends and family.  

Left to cherish his memories and extend his legacy are his wife Beverly; Children: Richard Drake Jr. (Wanda), Brooklyn, NY; Dean Drake (Dawn), Fallston, MD, Timothy Drake (Mary Beth); Churchville, MD. Siblings: Lorraine Drake, NY; Charlotte (Jim) Parsons, FL; Jerry (Maya) Drake; VA, Kenneth (Kathy); MD.  Grandchildren: Max, Heather, Macy, Cassie, Evan and Great Grand Child: Quinn.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and admirers will cherish his life and legacy for many seasons to come.

A visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, November 28th from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Evans Life Celebration Home – Parkville, 8800 Harford Road, 21234.  A Memorial service will follow, from 3:30 until 4 p.m.
The family requests that all guests wear a face covering during the visitation and memorial service hours. 

A Celebration of Life honoring Rich will be scheduled at a later date in 2022.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, the family requests sentiments be made in Rich’s name to one of the following societies, both of which have missions that were special to Rich.  

The Parkinson’s Foundation:  200 SE 1st Street, Ste 800, Miami, FL 33131, USA; www.parkinson.org

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society:  www.nationalmssociety.org

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