Charles Fredric Drake

Charles (Charlie) Fedric Drake, formerly of Berwick, ME, later of Alton Bay, NH, and most recently residing at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton, passed away on December 28, 2024. Charlie was born in Dover, NH on December 8, 1939 to parents Tenison C. and Alice M. (Podvin) Drake. Charlie graduated from Dover High School (class of ’57) and attended Keene State Teaching College prior to being drafted into the U.S. Army, and serving honorably during the Vietnam War era. Charlie married Adelia (Dee) L. Hedding of Rutland, VT on November 25, 1961. After a year and a half in NH, they lived in France, visiting 13 countries for the next two years of their marriage while Charlie was stationed at Camp Des Loges. Upon leaving the service and returning to Somersworth, NH, Charlie leveraged his passion and skills as a woodworker taking on jobs over the years as pattern maker (Kidder Press), builder (AJ Construction and Father & Son Builders, Inc), and cabinet maker (Blouin). In 1971, he built the house in Berwick that he and his wife would live in for the next 42 years. His fine craftsmanship led him to become a clock and furniture maker with his own successful side business, “Time in Pine,” where he created beautiful heirloom pieces, well into his 70s. A man of few words, Charlie’s character was particularly seen in his work ethic. Axioms and idioms such as “measure twice, cut once” and “every dog will have his day” were often spoken. He was relentless when it came to quality. If the stairs built were not done correctly, they were ripped out and done again. He believed he was building homes, not houses. The grandfather clocks he delivered on many Christmas Eves, he hoped would be passed down to the next generation. He would teach his daughter through his actions the value of working hard, the pride that comes with a job well done, the importance of saving for a rainy day, and the meaning of humility. In these aspects, clear directions including, “you can accomplish almost anything if you practice and put in the effort,” “make sure you are proud of what you attach or sign your name to,” “always live below your means,” and “there will always be someone slower - and faster than you” are remembered with appreciation and now part of his legacy told. Always quite competitive, Charlie loved playing softball well into his 40s and bowling 10 pin as a lefty right up until he turned 80. He managed or captained many teams over the years, and enjoyed the camaraderie that came with both. A loyal New England sports fan, playing cards (primarily cribbage or whist) was a post dinner social activity that he, Dee, and their friends did for hours - as long as there wasn’t a game on TV. Besides his gift working with wood, one of his unique pride and joy projects was restoring a 1930 Model A Ford pickup. As such, he was a member of the Model A Ford Club and attended many bean suppers held throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Charlie was a proud Mason with the Moses Paul Masonic Lodge #96, Dover, NH and through Adelia, affiliated with the First Parish United Church of Christ, Somersworth, NH. One would often note the softer side of Charlie when he was caring for or talking about the current miniature dachshund he and Dee owned. Their last dog, Heidi, adopted from the local human society, was most beloved and according to Charlie, “the best” they ever had. Charlie is survived by his dedicated wife of 63 years, Adelia H. Drake, his daughter Teri Ann Drake Cox and her husband Bill of Alton Bay, NH, his brother, Edward Drake and his wife Charma of Scarborough, ME, his grandson, Christopher Drake Cox, and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, sister Patricia Drake Sanford, and niece Jane Cloutman. The family wishes to thank the amazing staff at the New Hampshire Veterans Home for their exceptional care and compassion during the last 16 months in which Charlie was a resident. They will be forever grateful to those who went above and beyond, and cared for Charlie in the Alan Shepard and John Stark memory care neighborhoods. Clearly, they loved the man he was, and at the end of Charlie’s life, were much like extended family. Adelia and Teri Ann would also like to extend their deep appreciation to the Franklin VNA and Hospice team who provided an additional layer of comfort and support. Those wishing to donate in Charlie’s memory can contribute to the NH Veterans Home Resident Benefit Fund at www.nh.gov/veterans/support (139 Winter Street, Tilton, NH 03276) or Pope Memorial Humane Society - Cocheco Valley, at https://popememorialcvhs.org/donate (221 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820). A private service will be held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH on March 3, 2025, and a gathering for friends and family will occur later in June. Assisting the family with arrangements is Smart Memorial Home, Tilton, NH. A special thank you to Austin K. Perrin for his personal involvement and kindness during this time. To share condolences, please visit www.smartmemorialhome.com/obituaries.

Tributes

Charles Fredric Drake

December 8, 1939 - December 28, 2024