IN MEMORIAM

Donald A. Drake, 81, Roseboom;

CV-S Principal, Board President

ROSEBOOM – Donald (Don) A. Drake, 81, of Roseboom, retired Cherry Valley-Springfield Central High School principal and, later, school board president, passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2019, at the Center in Cooperstown with his beloved wife Susan (Sue) by his side.

Don was born on March 2, 1937, in Cooperstown, the son of Clifford S. Drake and Laura Laymon Drake.

Don married Susan High on Aug. 13, 1960.  They have three sons: John (Lisa),  Thomas (Laurie) and Michael (Beth) and five grandchildren: Jason (Jessica), Adam, Emma, Miles and Elliot.

Don was a graduate of Springfield Central School, Hamilton College (B.A. in Mathematics), and Colgate University (M.A. in Mathematics Education).  Don started teaching high school mathematics at Cherry Valley Central School in September 1959.  He retired from Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School in June 1992.

Working with the students was the joy of Don’s life.  After retiring, Don continued to tutor students in math and he also served as a member and president of the CV-S Board of Education. Don then spent seven years working at Pathfinder Village as director of education.  The opportunity to work with the students at Pathfinder proved to be a fantastic experience for Don.

Don was very involved with Grange throughout his life.   He was a member of Pierstown Grange #793, Otsego County Pomona Grange, New York State Grange and National Grange.  Don held many offices, including Pierstown Grange master; Otsego County Pomona Grange master and treasurer; New York State Grange youth director, and Executive Committee member & Chairman.

In addition, Don and Sue were named National Grange Young Couple of the Year in 1971.  Don felt that Grange friendships and activities were some of his best memories.

Don was president of the Glimmerglass Opera Guild and on the Board of Directors for many years.  He and Sue enjoyed ushering, hosting opera staff  and assisting with meal functions.  Don was also active in the Roseboom Methodist Church, Otsego County Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Otsego County Fair Board.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Cooperstown Center for all their care and support over the past two years.

Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Donald Drake Auditorium in the Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 597 County Road 54, Cherry Valley.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at the First Presbyterian Church, 56 Alden St., Cherry Valley.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to the Cherry Valley-Springfield Endowment Fund, Box 33, Cherry Valley, NY 13320 or to Pierstown Grange #793, Karen Dunlap, 303 County Highway 27, Richfield, NY 13439.

To send online condolences visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley, NY