RYE BEACH, N.H. – Philip S. Drake died peacefully Saturday, July 28, 2007, at Webster of Rye after a period of failing health. He was born April 15, 1925, the son of Abbot and Charlotte (Davis) Drake of Rye Beach. Philip attended Rye schools, Hampton Academy and The Ballard Academy, New London, Conn. At age 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Block Island as a quartermaster first class during World War II. During an anti-submarine patrol May 29, 1944, the Block Island was attacked and sunk by German U-boats in the North Atlantic off the Canary Islands. Philip was rescued and served honorably in the South Pacific on the Block Island II until the war was over. After discharge from the Navy, Philip attended Hotel Management School, Washington, D.C. He returned to work at the Drake House, a seasonal hotel built by his grandfather, Abraham J. Drake in 1872 and then run by his father, Abbot. Philip married Joanne Tonis, April 23, 1949, at Saint Andrews by the Sea Church, Rye Beach, N.H. He was the manager of the Beach Club, Rye Beach, N.H., for 25 years. Upon retirement, Philip and Joanne moved to Trenton and spent many happy years together traveling and camping in Northern Maine, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and many other places. They also enjoyed watching their grandchildren grow up in Lamoine, Maine and Rye Beach. We remember, as a youth, Philip was an avid and skilled sailor who enjoyed the challenges of sailing his nine-foot sailing cat to the Isle of Shoals. Philip was instrumental in the foundation of the Rye Sea Hawks hockey club. The club enjoyed playing long-established teams in Massachusetts and Maine and at their rink on Ocean Boulevard. Philip was an active and generous volunteer in the Rye and Rye Beach communities. He served as town moderator of Rye, was a Rye Beach precinct commissioner, a volunteer fireman, and a special police officer. He was also active in the Republican party, particularly in support of the Powell for governor and Goldwater for president campaigns. He willingly shared his time and enormous talent in support of service and his community. His vivid memory of the history of Rye Beach has served historians and the community well over the years. Philip was a passionate student and teacher of nature and life. He had many pleasurable seasons throughout his life hunting, sailing, skiing, playing pond hockey and ice boating, skate sailing and gardening. Philip enjoyed spending time with close friends and their families. He was a powerful positive influence on their lives and will be long remembered for his willingness to provide a ready ear, understanding, encouragement and support. Philip is survived by his son, Frank Drake and his wife, Beth and their children, Zachary, Collin, and Liza of Rye Beach, N.H.; his daughter, Victoria and her husband, David Smallidge, of Lamoine and their daughters, Jessica, and her husband, Tyler Cass, of Portland and Rachel Smallidge of Lamoine; by his brother, Herbert Drake and his daughter, Cynthia Bogart and son, Jonathan, all of Rye, N.H. and their families. Philip was predeceased by his loving wife of 51 years in 2000. Upon her passing, he returned to Rye Beach, N.H., and the Drake House. A celebration of Philip’s life will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, on the Drake House lawn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rannie Webster Foundation Endowment Fund, 795 Washington Road, Rye, NH 03870-2318. Private burial will be at Central Cemetery, Rye, N.H. Arrangements are by Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, Hampton, N.H. www.remickgendron.com
PHILIP S. DRAKE
