Kevin Drake

1945 - 2024

Kevin Drake

March 31, 1945 - February 21, 2024

Livermore, California - Livermore lost an amazing citizen, outstanding educator and a great man, Kevin Drake.

Kevin was born in Modesto, CA. on March 31, 1945. The first of four children born to parents, Donald and Loretta Drake.

He was educated in parochial schools before graduating in 1963 from Thomas Downey High School, Modesto, California.

While in high school he was Student Body President and was an All-Conference quarterback who led his football team to an undefeated season.

He earned a full ride football scholarship to the University of Pacific. He graduated from UOP with a degree in U.S. History, shortly thereafter earning a master's degree in history and a teaching credential.

Kevin married the love of his life, Victoria Ferrario in 1968.

Vickie and Kevin started their early years of marriage working as educators in the Livermore School District.

They started their family in 1974 with the birth of their daughter, Kristen and then adding their son, Brian, in 1977.

Kevin began his teaching career as an U.S. History and government teacher while coaching football and baseball at Livermore High School. He moved to Granada High School in 1978 teaching history, coaching and later becoming athletic director.

In 1986, Kevin became Vice-Principal at Livermore High School and earned a Master's Degree in Administrative Leadership from St. Mary's College shortly thereafter.

He transitioned back to Granada High School as principal in 1994, was named Administrator of the Year in 1996, and retired from the high school in 2004.

Kevin was a born leader and truly a civic servant in Livermore. He served as President of the Rotary Club and Rotarian Foundation, co-authored the History of Granada High School, became co-ordinator of the Choose Love organization introducing it into the Livermore School District system.

Kevin was inducted into the Livermore Sports Hall of Fame and awarded the Keith Fraser Community Service Award.

He was also inducted into the Tri Valley Hall of Fame, receiving the Bob Vincent Award for Community Service.

In true Kevin fashion, he made himself available to every cause or situation. In 1997, this selfless brother donated a kidney to his younger sister.

In retirement, he was tremendously involved with his two grandchildren, Gunner and Abby, whom he adored. They were a huge source of pride to him. His favorite moniker was Papa.

Sadly, Kevin lost his recently diagnosed battle with stage four lung cancer. A non-smoker, he valiantly fought this with that fervor of purpose by which he lived his life.

Kevin Drake passed away on February 21 with his family by his side.

Grieving his loss, his loving wife of 55 years, Vickie, children: Kristen and Brian, grand-children: Gunner and Abby Drake, and their mother, Amy Drake;

Loving siblings; Kathy Lundin (spouse Dennis Lundin), Jeanine Drake (spouse Matt McElligot) and Brian J. Drake (spouse Leslie Drake);

In addition, Kevin leaves behind his extended family, brother-in-law, Richard Ferrario (spouse Rennise), nieces and nephews: Quinn, Jim, Conor, Brendan, Art, Tony, Lisa and many great nieces, nephews and cousins.

The outpouring of love from the community since his passing has been tremendous. The Livermore Rotary is putting together a Kevin Drake scholarship fund. Discussions are in the works to name the Granada High football stadium "Kevin Drake Stadium".

Celebration of Everlasting Life services will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 11am at Saint Charles Borromeo in Livermore (1315 Lomitas Avenue). In lieu of gifts, please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.