Obituary of Robert Edward Drake Jr.

Mr. Robert Edward Drake Jr. (aka “Bob and Eddie”) passed away Nov. 29, 2016, at the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Galloway Township, NJ. He was 76 years old. Bob courageously fought the ravages of cancer for many years before finally succumbing. Bob resided in Little River, SC, for the past eight years, and in August of this year, he returned to New Jersey to be in the loving care of his daughters. Bob was born in 1940 in Asheville, NC. He was the loving son of Robert E. Drake Sr. and Mary Runion (Drake). As one of four children, he was the loving sibling of Brenda Fitzgerald (Michael), JT Drake (Roseanna), and Susan Nanney (Greg). On Oct. 19, 1986, Bob married the love of his life, Karen Drake (McNaney), and they enjoyed many years of happiness together until her passing from cancer in October 2003. Their love produced two beautiful daughters, Lindsey Hampf (Robert) and Mary-Anne Drake. Bob is also survived by his two loving daughters from a previous marriage, Brenda Utara (Mark) and Michelle Drake. He leaves behind and will be dearly missed by his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Bob Drake had a long and distinguished career. He proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1958 to 1984, retiring in 1984 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After his retirement from the Coast Guard, Bob worked at the William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC) in Pomona NJ, first for the Martin Marietta Corporation as an electrical engineer, and in 1991 he accepted a Program Managers position with the Science Applications International Corporation. His last employment was with the CSSI Corporation, where he retired as a Systems Engineer in August 2006. Bob was an active and distinguished member of many engineering societies including the AFCEA, IEEE and the U.S. Coast Guard GPS Steering Group. Bob held a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering from Century University. While working at the WJHTC, Bob lived in Galloway Township, NJ, from 1984 until his retirement in 1996, after which he moved to Little River, SC, where he could enjoy the warm weather and endless golf courses. Bob was an avid sportsman who excelled in every sport in which he partook. He is best remembered by his friends and family for his superior skills in golf and bowling, having hit both a “hole in one” and also bowling a perfect 300 game. He was instrumental in founding the WJHTC golf league. Bob was also a superior softball player and a great billiard player. As a true “son of the sea”, Bob was also a great sailor. His closest friends fondly recall the many times he and his beloved wife, Karen, would talk and dream of sailing around the world in retirement. A celebration of Bob's life will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Mays Landing Country Club located at 1855 Cates Road, Mays Landing, NJ, 08330. Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a luncheon from 1 to 3 p.m. Bob was the consummate Coast Guardsman. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Legion Post 186, 4285 Pine Ave., Little River, SC, 29566; or to the American VFW Post 10804, 111 Highway 57, North Little River, SC, 29566. Bob’s mortal remains will be cremated, and he will buried at sea by the Cape May Coast Guard. Bob was a noble soul, a great friend and confidant too many. His legacy of friendship, empathy and counsel live on in his beautiful daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is at rest now and hopefully, he and Karen are finally setting sail together.