Name: Calling hours for Kevin Drake
Start: 2024-01-05T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-01-05T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC - New London

Kevin Drake

Wilmot, NH - Kevin Drake died unexpectedly at his home on December 22, 2023 at the age of 70 following a brief hospitalization.

Kevin was born on May 21, 1953 in Amityville, NY to Lawrence Drake Sr. and Theda (Temple) Drake.

Kevin graduated from Livingston (NJ) High School in 1971. After many summers as a camper and eventual caretaker at Camp Sunapee in New London, Kevin decided to make the New London area his home.

A model of how to be a loving, supportive husband and father, Kevin was devoted to his family. He married the love of his life, Carol O'Brien Drake, in 1978. After raising two girls, he was overjoyed to welcome 3 grandsons into his family.

While college was not the correct path for Kevin, his lack of a degree did not stop him from having a successful career as a Process Control Specialist with Yokogawa. While the travel requirements of his job meant resigning his position as a Volunteer FireFighter, it did allow him to use his troubleshooting skills and mechanical expertise to provide a comfortable life for his family. Whether it was a malfunctioning control system at a factory, or a household repair that needed to get done Kevin never met a problem he couldn't solve through his analytical thinking and perseverance.

Kevin traveled often with family including trips to Ireland and Italy, several National Parks, and yearly family vacations in Acadia National Park. He enjoyed a road trip and drove across the country several times visiting National Parks, family and friends, and obscure museums.

Kevin is predeceased by his parents, Lawrence Drake Sr. and Theda (Temple) Drake of Boulder CO; and his beloved wife of 38 years, Carol O'Brien Drake of Wilmot, NH.

Kevin is survived by his daughters Larissa Ragazzo and her husband Robert of Dover, NH, and Ashley McCarthy and her husband Sean of Wells, ME; his grandsons Robby and Kevin Ragazzo of Dover, NH, and Dylan McCarthy of Wells, ME; his brothers Lawrence Drake Jr. and his wife Joan Jacobs of Portsmouth, NH, and Roger Drake and his wife Jennifer of Boulder, CO; his mother-in-law Catherine "Peg" O'Brien of Liverpool, NY; his sisters-in-law Mary-Kay O'Brien of Syracuse, NY, Laurie O'Brien Smith, of Clay, NY, and Teresa O'Brien of Liverpool, NY; as well as a nephew, nieces, and great-nephews and great-nieces.

Calling hours will be on Friday, January 5 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London. A celebration of life memorial will be held at The First Baptist Church in New London on Saturday, January 6 at 11:00 AM.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kevin's life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Friends of Acadia at https://friendsofacadia.org. To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Concord Monitor on Dec. 27, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Drake

9 Entries

Wendy Miller

March 18, 2024

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I grew up in Wilmot, and will forever think of both your parents when I drive by the house with the letters on the side reading Wilmot Flat NH.They are together now. God bless your family

Jeff O'Brien

Planted Trees

Kim Mellema-Reid

January 4, 2024

We miss Kevin and Carol so much.

Carla Marshall

January 3, 2024

I have some sweet memories of both Carol and Kevin that I rekindle now and again and they always make me smile and even chuckle to myself...we also enjoyed many fun family times with the Kearsarge Coop and our kids. Kevin was one of the first people I met many years ago sitting at Peter Christians. He was quiet but when he spoke, it was always worth a listen. Very sad for his girls and families but happy he gets to be back with his Carol.

Shandi Elliott

January 1, 2024

I am so sorry about your dad. I wish I could have done more for him. He was a great neighbor and loved saying hi to my daycare kids. I am thankful I got to be there.

Elizabeth & Ken Kessler

December 29, 2023

Kevin was a wonderful friend and neighbor. He was a great supporter of the Kearsarge Co-Op monthly potlucks, yearly camping trips, and holiday progressive dinners. He'd loan out any tool in his barn from his vast collection, some of which he made himself. He had an innate talent for problem solving and was able to make almost anything, including his famous barn door opener and the customized kayak rack for the back of his truck. He was the go-to person for any home repair project and always had sage advice. His final instruction when loaning a tool was "don't hurt yourself."

Both Kevin and Carol are deeply missed.

Bob Carrier

December 28, 2023

So sorry for you loss

Beth Wilcox

December 25, 2023

Dear Ashley and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences. Beth Wilcox

Ruth Anne Winders

December 25, 2023

So sorry for your loss.

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