John Drake - Obituary

ohn G. Drake, 87, passed away on May 23, 2010, after a long and intensive battle with Alzheimer's disease. John was born to George and Fannie Dracopoulos in Washington, DC. He began his primary schooling in the States. During his childhood, he visited pre-war Greece with his mother for several years and attended a British-American High School. He was also very active in the International Boy Scouts. On his return to the States, he attended American University. Upon receiving his BA degree, he pursued a degree at the George Washington Law School. He passed the Bar and joined the American Bar Association in 1958. He practiced law in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. Among the various achievements of his legal career, none were as significant and satisfying as serving as the Financial Council for the Lincoln Federal Savings and Loan Association. Gaining recognition for his skills in the court of law, John accepted an executive position with the District Realty Title Insurance Corporation in Washington, DC. He served as Vice President until he retired in the 1990's. He resided in Chevy Chase, MD for many years, but travelled extensively to Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. In each country he visited, he took extensive photographs of artistic and historical significance. He also took his father to visit the country of his birth, a tribute to his father, who left Greece as a child to come to America. They made a trip to a small, lovely town of Issari in Sparta. Upon retirement, John participated in legal and academic associations. He eventually moved to Annapolis to be closer to his family. John was preceded in death by his young son, George Drake. He is mourned by his sister, Dorothy Collins and brother-in-law, Albin Collins, his nephews and their wives, Richard and Elizabeth, Gregory and Sue, Paul and Dana and their children, Britt, Rebecca, Alexander and Brennen, his cousins, Mario and Pattie Vouzikas, John Dracopulos and Kate Strenglis, and Cliff and Theo Argue and their families. A celebration of life will be held at the Annapolis Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. 622, 2517 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Thursday, June 17, 2010, at 12:00 noon. Interment private. Donations may be made to La Casa Assisted Living Facility, 2574 South Haven Rd., Annapolis MD 21401.