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Howard Drake III Obituary
Born in Marysville, Calif., Howard grew up in Newton then lived in Andover Township for seven years before moving to East Stroudsburg 33 years ago.
He was a 1973 graduate of Newton High School and a 1978 graduate of Kean College in Union where he received a degree in education. Later on, he graduated with a master's degree in administration from Kean College.
Howard was the principal at Pleasant Valley Middle School in Brodheadsville, Pa., for 22 years before his retirement in 2013. He had previously been an industrial arts teacher and supervisor at Roxbury High School for 13 years where he was also the head wrestling coach, as well as the football and softball coach. Howard was a member of the East Stroudsburg Methodist Church.
The son of the late Howard W. Drake, Jr. and Carolyn E. (Martin) Drake, Howard is survived by his wife of 44 years, Adele J. Drake; his children, Traci A. Hoffman and husband, Brian, of Slatington, Pa., Bradley H. Drake and wife, Deya, of Jersey City, and Jeffrey W. Drake and wife, Lindsay, of Allentown, Pa.; and his grandchildren, Matthew, Rachael, Nora, Sophie and Gwendolen. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Drake, of Columbia, S.C., and his sister, Terri Goarcke, of Bangor, Pa.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 20, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Howard W. Drake III Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 3500, Jersey City, NJ 07303. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Drake III
Sponsored by The New Jersey Herald and njherald.com.
Edward Koch
January 13, 2025
Mr Drake gave me his square toe kicking shoe, that shoe had some great times but also one bad kick, that shoe traveled to Giants and Jets and swohed off with 65 yarders and not a miss, that shoe kicked at least 20,000 kicks at Roosevelt school in Roxbury. Now the shoe is retired and on my shelve next to Mr Howard Drakes photo along with my uncle Joes Chicago bears football card and picture of him kicking at Wake Forest. That shoe made one more kick in October 2024 at Roosevelt, right thru the new goal post and new turf field. I´m sure Howard was there watching me. Howard, I miss you as does that kicking shoe.
Richard Ochs
October 12, 2024
Has it been 5 years already? I can still remember my interview 23 years ago.
He was one of just a few principals for whom I had total respect. To his face, he was "Mr. Drake." Behind his back, he was "Howie." There were times when we would be discussing some school related topics, he would refer to us as "a couple of old war horses." All he asked was to show up for work on time and choose a teaching style that works for both the students and yourself.
April 13, 2020
Adele, Traci, Jerry, and Drake family. Very
sorry to learn about Bill.
I was his neighbor in Newton(Hillside ave.)
It's been a long time.
I've never forgotten playing football on the street when we were teenagers.
Mike E.
November 20, 2019
Drake Family,
I just heard the news last night. I was deeply saddened to hear about Howard. Please accept my deepest condolences. I realize that there is really nothing that can be said to help. Just keep this in the back of your mind. Howard had a positive impact on the lives of a huge number of students as well as teachers and staff. That is something not many people can claim. Howard will truly be missed. He was a terrific mentor to me personally, giving me my start in administration. I will always be grateful for all that he did for me.
Just know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Paula Husar
Jackie and Craig Marcin
October 23, 2019
Jackie and I am so sorry for your loss. Howard was a "gentle giant", a kind and loving man. We will miss his laughter, love for his family and community. Our prayers are with him and for all the extended Drake family.
Harold Pope
October 21, 2019
So sorry to hear of this loss. We grew up together and played football from peewee through high school. Prayers and condolences to the family.
Bob Kennedy
October 21, 2019
Howard was my football coach at Roxbury High School. I have fond memories of him running the cardio part of the practice. He could always find the (imaginary person) player who wasn't giving 100% effort and send us all for another lap around the baseball backstop. "Someone is dogging it back there, I cant see his number, go again!"
I also recall him playing basketball with the students after football or wrestling practice. His entire strategy was to sweat so much that no one would get close enough to defend him. One summer Howard and George Mckay used their carpentry skills to build the deck on the back of my parents house and it is still standing today!
He helped many young men to realize their potential.
RIP Howard.
Richard Ochs
October 20, 2019
I taught at the middle school for 12 years, before my transfer to the high school. If you couldn't work for Howard, you couldn't work for anybody.
He had only 2 requirements- 1. show up for work on time 2. just do your job. It was a pleasure to work with him.
Barbara Deppner
October 19, 2019
Rip Mr Drake you were bery good to my children
Donna Mowrey Miller
October 18, 2019
Mr Drake was truly a phenomenal human being, a terrific principal and just a blessing to many young minds that he helped to shape. Ginormous caring heart and such a pleasant smile when he blessed us all with one while he pretended to be so stern ;-) my thoughts and prayers are with his family and other friends
PV alumni
Jeanne Paulin
October 18, 2019
A truly kind and caring man and a wonderful leader. PVMS felt like family with Mr. Drake at the helm. The world has lost lost a real treasure. Sincerest condolences to the Drake family.
Jeff Clawson
October 18, 2019
Great man. Great coach.
Jeff Clawson
karen castaldo
October 18, 2019
May he rest in peace. He is now with our lord watching down on all of us. He was a wonderful principle at Pleasant valley and a great asset to the educational field. For his family I want you to know the lord left you with memories that live forever. amen
Cathie Whitesell-Brake
October 18, 2019
Jerry, Terry & Family....So sorry to hear of Billy's passing. May God wrap his arms around all of you at this difficult time. Many great memories growing up with all of you & great times at your parents house. Rest in Paradise Billy....you will be missed by many...God Bless & many prayers for all of you.
October 18, 2019
to the Drake family,
He will be remembered at Pleasant Valley as a good principal of the Middle School and member of the PV staff. May the memories your family holds help you through the days ahead.
Donna Mackes, Secretary
Dan Wunder
October 18, 2019
I will remember Howard as a colleague and friend. I know how much he loved his family.
May you all embrace the wonderful memories he gave us as a source of strength through this difficult time.
Martin Odonnell
October 18, 2019
Great guy, great coach RIP
Wanda Smith-Wunder
October 18, 2019
God bless your family. You have lost a gentle man; the world has lost a decent one. I, too, will always think of him fondly.
October 18, 2019
Miss you brother,love you jerry
Rose Kwolek
October 18, 2019
Adele and children,
So sorry to hear of Howard's passing. Through the years side by side we shared our jobs but most joyous was the sharing of the activities and antics of our children. Howard was a great principal and will be remembered by many staff and students.
Prayers for all of you as you deal with this loss.
Joy LaBadie
October 18, 2019
May you rest in peace! One great guy!
October 18, 2019
Howard left a forever lasting impression on me as my shop teacher and wrestling coach at Roxbury High. What a great sense of humor!
Sarah Rusnock
October 17, 2019
I made this video when Mr. Drake retired in 2013. He was the best boss I ever had. Feel free to share https://youtu.be/vrRmpd9FPzc
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