Obituary of John Robert Drake

John Robert Drake, 78, of South Plainfield, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2017 at home. Born on Governors Island, NY to the late John and Betty Drake, he was a military child who was raised traveling the world before settling in Metuchen. Mr. Drake went on to serve his country with the U.S. Navy upon graduating high school in 1955, where he dedicated 20 years as a Submariner retiring in 1974 as a MMC (SS) E-7 Chief Petty Officer. After his military career, John worked for Universal Furniture in Edison and the U.S. Postal Service before his retirement. He was a history buff who carried his love of the sea with him throughout his life. Most of all, John enjoyed the quality time spent with his family. Surviving are his beloved wife, Sheina E. Wallace Drake, his loving daughter, Shawn Drake Peaney and husband Michael, his cherished grandson James Peaney, his extended family Rosemary and Fergus, Karen and Geoffrey, Jane and Alan, his five nieces, and one nephew. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 3:00 to 7:00PM at the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield. A prayer service will be held with military honors at 7:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to the Section 15 Police K-9 Unit c/o South Plainfield Police Department, 2480 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield NJ 07080 and/or South Plainfield EMS 2520 Plainfield Ave, South Plainfield, NJ 07080.