Obituary of Norman Drake

Drake, Norman of West Irondequoit passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Norman was predeceased by his parents, Lester and Margaret (McDonald) Drake; Brothers, Marvin (Lillian) Drake and George Drake. Norm is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara Drake and their children, Stephen (Diane) Drake and Cathy (John) Decicca. Grandchildren, Laura Wright, Marilee Garrison, Thomas Scarpulla and Katie Scarpulla. Great Grandchildren, Beau Garrison and Lenna Garrison. Sister-in-law, Betty Drake and numerous nieces and nephews.

Norm grew up in the city of Rochester, NY, graduating from Monroe High School in 1949. After High school he hitchhiked to and from Brockport College. In order to complete his education he Enlisted in the U.S. Army to receive the GI Bill. Norm served his country honorably in the Korean conflict as a forward observer obtaining the rank of Sgt. First class and was awarded the Bronze star.

As Norm’s parents had passed away while he was stationed in Korea, he returned home and he lived with his brother and sister inlaw. Soon after he met the love of his life, Barbara Governor. They met in August 1954, engaged in October, and married January 29,1955. Norm attended Brockport College to complete his bachelor degree in education while working. As long as I can remember, he always worked two jobs. While teaching was his true passion, he also worked in sales. Those jobs were a game to him. He worked part time until he was almost 80.

His first teaching job was in the Greece and the West Irondequoit school district and staying in West Irondequoit’s district for over 30 years.

He would become Coordinator of the Special Ed Departmant. While there he worked on the Urban Suburban program, taught summer school in the city and in West Irondequoit. In order to develop a special education program, Norm had to procure a Master’s Degree. He worked full time at West Irondequoit School District during his studies. Norm was key in developing the special education program. He was able to follow his passion by teaching college students.

Norm was enamored with government and politics. He was instrumental in preventing a proposed highway cutting through the Town of Irondequoit and also ran for town Supervisor. A day didn’t go by that he wasn’t watching news programs, reading articles and listening to his transistor radio.

His loves were his wife, children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren. The wildlife in their backyard, especially the deer, and vacationing in the Adirondacks. He also enjoyed family get togethers and talks about government, politics, and history. Norm was the ultimate optimist. No matter what would happen, he would say “don’t worry about something you have no control over”.

Norm's family would like to thank the Eastgate Westgate Neighborhood for their meal train during the last month when he was ill and for their extreme kindness and generosity shown to Norm and his family.

Friends are invited to meet the family on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 4 to 7PM at the funeral home (570 Kings Highway So.). Friends are invited to meet the family on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at St. Cecilia's church at 10:00 AM for his funeral mass. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you reach out to help someone in need in Norman's memory.