Richard J. Drake, Jr.
5/31/1953 - 2/5/2014
Richard was born on May 31, 1953. He passed away on February 5, 2014 at the age of 60. He was raised in Newburgh, N.Y. and graduated from New York University in 1975 with a degree in liberal arts.
Rich will be remembered for his outgoing nature, sense of humor, and his loyalty to his friends and family. He was employed for over 30 years in the laser optics and photonics industry, primarily in sales and marketing, and became a resource and mentor to many of his peers throughout the U.S. and overseas. Rich's passions included skiing, scuba diving, travel, good food, good books, and physical fitness. He also volunteered at the Placer County Jail to support inmates in addressing issues of addiction. His love of diving the world's oceans took him around the world from: the California coast, Florida, and the Bahamas, to many exotic locales including the Red Sea, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Truk Lagoon, Belize, and most recently to the Philippines and Palau.
Richard is survived by: his wife Doreen and stepdaughter Rachael Harper; his mother and father, Margaret Davenport Drake and Richard J. Drake of Newburgh, N.Y.; sister Victoria (Joe) Hibbard of Belmont, Mass.; brother Edward (Maria) Drake of Melbourne Beach, Fla.; nieces and nephews Kathryn Hibbard, Bill Hibbard, Elena Drake, and Nicholas Drake, and many cousins.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at his home in Auburn.
Charitable donations may be made to the American Heart Association, local humane society, or the charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Doreen,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful Richard. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Edie & Marv Lang
April 13, 2014
Doreen and Rachel -- We both send heartfelt condolences. Rich was a "bigger than life" personality who brought optimism and energy to his many endeavors. He brought the message of hope to hundreds of men through his Wednesday commitments in Auburn. Love, - Dan & Pat Lucas
March 15, 2014
Doreen, With great sadness, I extend my condolences to you and Rachael for your loss. Rich and I had many great discussions at our Friday lunches about customer service and of course, fitness. Rich always wanted to help people. As a good friend, he will be missed and never forgotten.
Bruce Perilloux
March 2, 2014
Dear Doreen and Rachel, I am a family friend of Rich's from Newburgh, N.Y. He was always a strong, kind, young man with a twinkle in his eyes. I am so sorry for your sudden loss but reassured he passed on with love and fulfillment in his life. God Bless Rich and Everyone in his life that he touch.
February 28, 2014
Doreen - I am terribly saddened by Rich's passing and your loss. He is constantly in my thoughts now. Rich was my oldest and dearest friend since college and like an uncle to my children. Our family will miss him and never forget the impression he made on all of us. I am heartbroken we won't have another decade or two of sports car racing and short ribs and his wonderful stories. I can't describe how much I miss him.
Rudy Brenalvirez
February 17, 2014
He was a man of presence. He was always so nice & friendly to all of us at Coherent. My thoughts & prayers to the family.
Rest in Peace Nice Person
Lynette
February 17, 2014
Dear Doreen and Rachel,
We were deeply saddened by the loss of Rich, who was a good friend. He was always so full of energy and so optimistic. His humor and good nature was contagious and he will be greatly missed. You have our deepest sympathy. Please call on us if there is anything that we can do to help you though this difficult time. Ed and Diane Danielewicz
Ed and Diane Danielewicz
February 15, 2014
Doreen - so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. Vicki Spannagel
February 14, 2014
Dear Doreen: Bob and I are very sad to hear about you and your family's loss of Richard. We enjoyed your friendship during our dive trips to Costa Rica and Indonesia and Richard's zest for adventure. Sincerely, Bob & Jan Davis
Bob & Jan Davis
February 14, 2014
Doreen, I send my sincerest condolences. Rich was an amazing man that not only consistently went out of his way to help others, he consistently went out of his way to compliment others which is truly an admirable quality that you don't come across often. I had the pleasure of working with Rich for ~ 7 years at CVI and truly appreciated his humor, advice and great conversation. I could go on for hours listing the impact Rich had on me, but I will leave it as I feel truly blessed to have known Rich and will pray God gives you the strength to get through this difficult time.
Jacob Jaramillo
February 13, 2014
Oh, Doreen, what sad news! I really liked Richard and his amazing smile. He was a kind, enthusiastic man who had such a zest for life. I always looked forward to seeing him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lori Bretz
February 13, 2014
Dear Doreen and Rachel: We were deeply saddened to hear about Rich's sudden death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob worked with Rich for many years. He was a person who cared so much for his coworkers and friends, was trustworthy, and had such a calming influence on those around him. He will be greatly missed. With deepest sympathy, Bob & Maddie Soales
February 13, 2014
i knew Richard for many years as a member of the auburn courthouse athletic club. we had a number of brief but pleasant conversations over the yeas. most recently i ran into Richard at the auburn Sav-Mart. we spoke about how long it had been since we had seen each other and inquired into each others' health. Richard seemed to be fine and happy. i was surprised and very saddened to learn about his passing when i read the journal on tuesday. he was a very nice man.
tom beattie
February 13, 2014
I feel blessed to have know Rich, and was truly saddened to hear of his passing. He will be missed.
Brian Jones
February 12, 2014
Rich was an amazing friend and co-worker who went out of his way to help people. He always looked out for me when we had to go to ABQ for sales meetings. We all miss you Rich.
Corey Collins
February 12, 2014
Doreen and Rachel,
My heart is with you in this difficult time. May you draw strength from one another.
Rich will be greatly missed. I will miss our time on the road and meals shared at The Fish Market. Love you buddy.
Thomas Goundry
February 12, 2014
Doreen & Rachel - I am so sorry, I just heard the news about Rich. Rich has been a great friend for many, many years and although geography and life's priorities have limited our time together over the last 15 years or so - I absolutely cherished the conversations we did have periodically. Rich was an absolute inspiration to me and a ray of sunshine in every conversation. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. My sincerest sympathy in your loss and be assured you both will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron & Jamie Stopher
February 12, 2014
My sincere condolences on your great loss. May you find peace and comfort during this sad time…Psalm 25:16,17
February 12, 2014
We are thankful to have had the privilege to get to know and dive with Richard. He will be missed! Prayers from Ed and Bekah Phillips
Bekah Phillips
February 12, 2014
Doreen, I was so saddened hearing of Rich's passing. He was taken way too young and will be missed by all. My heartfelt condolences to you and the family. I am here if you need anything at all. George, too.
Sue Grant
February 11, 2014
He always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye- like some mischief or a prank was afoot. That ear-to-ear smile of his was absolutely infectious. We have so many great dive trip memories of him and we will truly miss him. A great guy.
Steve & Elizabeth
February 11, 2014
Doreen and Rachel, we were deeply saddened to hear of Richard's passing. He was a sweet and decent man who had a passion for living life. Our hearts go out to you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Charles & Trish Wallen
February 11, 2014
A true friend to everyone who knew him.Full of life,love & joy that you could feel coming from him. He truly loved his friends & family. We will think of you on every dive trip.
You will be missed dearly my friend. Love the Novelly family.
February 11, 2014
Its sad when someone you know becomes someone you knew.
Love David and Allison
February 11, 2014
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