Obituary of Daniel H. Drake, Jr.

Daniel H. Drake, Jr., 61, of 466 Front Street, passed away unexpectedly surrounded by his loving family, Wednesday, March 14, 2012 in UPMC Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA. A lifelong Jamestown resident, he was born December 28, 1950, a son of the late Daniel and Margaret Hoover Drake, Sr. He was a 1969 graduate of Jamestown High School where he excelled as a football player, and his senior year was honored as First Team All-State; his jersey number 64 was later retired. He proudly continued his football career at North Park University, Chicago. Dan was employed as a foreman for the Board of Public Utilities Water Division for 35 years where he was affectionately known as "Duck." Dan was a man of great faith who diligently studied the Bible and had great knowledge of it. He found joy in participating in Bible studies and witnessing to others. He was an active member of First Covenant Church and the Lord was recently doing many great things in his life. He will be remembered as a devoted family man who always put their needs ahead of his own. He spent the last 16 years caring for his wife, Bonnie. As a young father, he constantly spent time playing with his kids and supporting them in all of their activities. Most recently, he cherished his time with his grandchildren and was so proud of them. He was very active in all of their lives and took tremendous pride in their accomplishments. His pillars of faith and family are an example that will live on for generations. Dan was also a die-hard supporter of the Jamestown Red Raiders, especially following his son's basketball teams and the football team, as he sat in the stands, worked the chains and walked the sidelines for many years. He also coached the Northside Warriors football team for over a decade. He also enjoyed following the Bears and Mets. Dan is survived by the love of his life of 40 years, the former Bonnie S. Lind, whom he married July 9, 1971. Also surviving are his son, Benjamin C. (Karen) Drake, his daughter, Julie E. (Chris) Morano, and his six grandchildren, Morgan, Marley & Trey Drake, Teanna, Cyrus and Jaymin Morano, all of Jamestown, two brothers, Ronald (Deborah) Drake of Jamestown and Robert (Sarah) Drake of West Ellicott, a sister, Bonnie (James) Barton of Kennedy, and his lifelong best friend, Dr. Charles W. (GraceAnn) Mistretta of Jamestown. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Trey Benjamin Drake, his parents, and his sister, JoAnn Parham. A Celebration of Life for Dan will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday in First Covenant Church. Reverend Adam Rohler will officiate. Burial will follow in Lake View Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Lind Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials may be made to First Covenant Church, 520 Spring Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. You may light a candle in remembrance of Dan at www.lindfuneralhome.com