Robert A. Drake, of Damariscotta, passed away at home on the morning of Dec. 1, with his family by his side.
Bob was born in Succasunna, N.J. to Hillard and Helen Drake (nee Vogeli) in 1942. He was interested in science and engineering from an early age, building model airplanes and boats, radios and electronics, and winning many science fairs along the way. He graduated from Roxbury High School (N.J.) in 1961 and Northeastern University in 1966 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
After college, Bob went to work for the U.S. Army, doing research and development at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. He remained on the job for 41 years, retiring with the highest rank a civil servant can attain. His job took him to many parts of the world, including Kwajalein, Guam, Turkey, Belgium, France, England, Italy and many other countries. Soon after retirement, he and his wife, Peggy (nee Lacey), moved to Damariscotta, where the family had been vacationing for decades.
Along the way, Bob was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman, and photographer. He loved sailing, traveling, cooking, golf, and anything that required a complicated plan. He was never far from a pile of books and magazines, constantly feeding his curiosity and love of learning.
In Damariscotta, Bob was active in the community with the DRA, Salt Water Artists, and the local arts community. He also pursued his life-long passions for watercolors and woodworking, taking and teaching many classes over the years. He was mentored by the watercolorists Ray Thorley and David Dewey, and showed his works in local galleries.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Peggy; daughter, Melissa of North Plainfield, N.J.; son, Jason and wife Halley Moore of Cleveland Heights, Ohio; grandchildren, Penelope, Georgia, Tobias, and Adelaide; brothers, William and wife Jane of Columbia, S.C., and Richard and wife Sandra Norberg of San Francisco, Cal.; and nieces Sarah, Anna and Amanda.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in the spring or summer of 2015.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Miles and St. Andrews Home Health Hospice, 40 Belvedere Rd., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast.
