John E. Drake
John E. Drake, 84, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025. He was born in Elmont, Long Island on March 11, 1941, son of the late Cyril and Ruth (Erler) Drake. He recently lived in Lebanon, PA and formerly in Morristown, NJ and Randolph, NJ.
John lived a life marked by his faith in the Lord, loyalty, kindness and humility. He was always willing to lend a hand to family, friends and strangers and embodied a spirit of generosity that touched many lives.
He attended Morristown High School after which he worked with his father at Cy Drake Locksmiths in Morristown. He became a Master Locksmith, an esteemed member of Associated Locksmiths of America and owner of Cy Drake Locksmiths for many years until he retired.
He loved fishing, camping, boating, the outdoors and traveling with his trailer. John could fix just about anything and was very creative in devising solutions to problems. He was very fond of his Akita, German Shepherd and Cockapoo.
We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.
He was the husband of Patricia L. (O’Neill) Drake and would have been married 40 years on November 30th.
John is predeceased by his parents Cyril and Ruth (Erler) Drake, his sister Jean Bowen Drewery and brother Robert Drake.
He is survived by his wife Patricia (O’Neill); daughters Susan Phlegar (Jack) and Christine O’Sullivan; sisters Miriam “Dolly” Tamburello (late husband Raymond) and Ruth Carothers (Swifty); stepdaughter Leslie Schoeniger (Steve), and stepson David Tuttle; 5 grandchildren – Christian Bowman, Tyler Bowman (Marissa), Susan O’Sullivan, Thomas O’Sullivan and Daniel O’Sullivan; 4 step grandchildren- Steven Schoeniger, Grace Schoeniger, Raphael Tuttle, Aidan Tuttle; predeceased by grandson Sasha Tuttle. He had many nieces and nephews.
Viewing & Service: Saturday May 31, 2025, viewing 10AM to 11AM followed by the Funeral Service at 11AM all at the Herron Funeral Home 458 Center & Market Streets Bethlehem, PA 18018. www.Herronfuneralhomes.com
Contributions: In his memory to Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation Grand Central Station P.O. 4777 New York, NY 10163 or Compassion International Colorado Springs, CO 80997.