Obituary of Alan R. Drake

Alan R. Drake, 67, of Odessa, N.Y. and more recently, Cayuga Ridge Rehabilitation Center, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024 after an extended illness of post cortical atrophy and aphasia. Alan was the only son of Calvin R. and Eleanor R. Drake of Watkins Glen. He was born on December 13, 1956 in Montour Falls, N.Y. Alan attended Watkins Glen High School and was a member of the basketball and tennis teams, and he played trumpet in the high school band. After high school, Alan attended Arizona State University where he majored in fine arts with a focus on photography.

After college, Alan returned to Watkins Glen and resumed working in the Watkins NAPA store with Gerry Strang, a job he had started when he was still in high school. Alan had over a 30 year career behind the counter at the NAPA store in Watkins and later at the Trumansburg location. His easy and calm manner and his knowledge of parts and stock made him an ideal person to deal with the public. Alan always had a kind word and a smile for anyone who entered the store.

In addition to working at NAPA, Alan was also known as an accomplished photographer; he enjoyed doing wedding photos as well as capturing pictures of the local landscapes. In 1999, Alan and his wife, Kathy, formed Kaladre Cockers and went on to raise award winning Cocker Spaniels. With their fur babies, they traveled the dog show circuit where their dogs won manyribbons and championships. After many years of raising Cocker Spaniels, their focus turned to raising Boston Terriers. Alan and Kathy were (are) members of the Elmira Kennel Club assisting with and participating in various dog shows on the East Coast and Canada. Following his retirement, Alan remained at home in the care of his wife until January 2024.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine (Chapman) Drake; sisters, Deborah(Brian) Hather, Sarah Matthews and Wendy Drake; brother-in-law, Dr. Edward (Jean) Chapman DVM; nieces and nephews Mark Matthews, Brandon( Danielle) Matthews, Megan (Martin) Thrasher, Juliet(Jay) Abendroth, Meredith (Brian) Kohlbecker and Ella Chapman, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to thank Antoinette Morse, Alex Evans, Mary Kellog, Dee Hughey and the staff at Cayuga Ridge Rehabilition Center for their kindness and respectful care of Alan.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10:00-11:30 am at Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY. Alan's funeral service will begin at 11:30 am followed by burial in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Odessa, NY. Memorial donations can be directed to the Elmira Kennel club or a local charity of one's choice.