Gilbert F Drake

Gilbert Frederick Uvacek Drake, our Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa, lived an amazingly full life. He will be remembered not only for his many achievements, but for the way he treated people and for his engaging, charismatic personality. People were drawn to him, they loved and respected him deeply. He was a positive, upbeat gentleman who fully embraced his 93 years on this earth.

Born Gilbert Frederick Uvacek on September 5, 1932, in the Bronx to parents Fred and Freida, two “salt of the earth” human beings, the family changed their last name to Drake in 1935, when Gil was three years old, for business purposes. From early on, Gil had unique and special gifts, and nearly everything he did was extraordinary. He skipped two grades in elementary school, excelled as an athlete (especially as a right-handed pitcher), and took immense pride in his service as a Naval Officer during the Korean War.

A lifelong New York Yankees fan, he attended countless World Series games as both a child and an adult. One of the proudest moments of his life came in June 2023, when he was honored as a military veteran in an on-field ceremony at Yankee Stadium. It was a fitting tribute, both to his military service and to his lifelong devotion to the Yankees, and a cherished family memory. He also loved being a coach of sports, especially in his years living in Park Ridge, NJ.

Gil’s commitment to his work was unwavering. He served as a naval engineer during his military career, and later built a successful civilian career as a construction and development engineer, first in the oil industry during the oil boom and later in the restaurant sector, most notably with Morton’s Steakhouses, where he spent most of his successful career.

Gil is lovingly remembered by his large, close-knit family. He is survived by his four children: Glenn Drake, Roger Drake, Scott Drake and Jill Drake Pierce. He had special bonds with each of them. As a father, he instilled in them self-motivation, hard work, and accountability. He was dedicated to helping his children become independent at a young age. He remained deeply connected to all of us, as well as to his 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Loved by and who he loved just as much: the “outlaws”— his children through marriage: Mike Pierce, Joanne LoPinto and Denise Drake, and of course in memory of Bernie Drake, who passed away before him.

He is also survived by his younger brother Ron and sister-in-law Carolyn, and was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. In his later years, Dad found joy and belonging at Sterling East Cobb in Marietta, Georgia, his home for the last two years of his life, where he embraced a new community and made lasting friendships.

Grandpa/Papa was deeply admired and will be missed by his grandchildren: Allison Drake Bernstein, Geoffrey Drake, TJ Drake, Elise Drake, Andrew Drake, Mike LoPinto, Justin LoPinto, Maddie Pierce, Aidan Pierce, Nate Pierce, Kristina Pileggi, Woodrow Drake, Jackson Drake, and John Drake; and by his great-grandchildren Eli and Emma Bernstein, Dominic Duran, Carlo LoPinto, and James Drake. He will also be fondly remembered by extended family, friends, and colleagues.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Atlanta on Thursday, October 30, from 5–7:30 p.m. at Chestnut Springs Clubhouse, 2477 Chestnut Springs Trail, Marietta, GA and another the following Thursday, November 6, from 4–7 p.m. at the Park Ridge American Legion Hall, 118 Ridge Ave, Park Ridge, NJ.

He will be buried at Ferncliff Cemetery, in Hartsdale, NY, with his first wife Carol Drake, who he was married to for 12 years and who died young from breast cancer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation of America at hospicefoundation.org.

Gilbert F. Drake, our Dad will be remembered as a good man who lived a truly good life. This week, we lost the patriarch of our family. May God bless you, Dad.