Paul Joseph Drake Sr., 85, life-long resident of Memphis, passed away on May 14, 2011. Born May 10, 1926, he was the oldest child of the late Paul Joseph and Esterina Sabbatini Belenchia, who immigrated to the United States from Italy. After his mother died when he was only six, the nuns at Sisters of Charity at St. Peter’s Orphanage filled the gap in raising him. He never forgot their names or their kindness. Paul served his country in both the Korean War and World War II, and had attained the rank of Master Sergeant at the time of discharge. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N. C., and served in the U.S. Army Reserves and the Tennessee National Guard until being called back to active service in August 1950 with the 96th Field Artillery Battalion. He was the recipient of numerous service medals, including the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. He was in Officers Candidate School when called home due to his father’s death. Following a brief stint as the co-owner and operator of an Exxon service station, Paul received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Memphis. He dutifully served the Memphis City Schools as a counselor at Central High School, Asst. Principal at Frayser High, Principal at Springdale Elementary and Coordinator of Pupil Services. Prior to his retirement in 1986, Paul served as Supervisor of Records. As a member of the United Teaching Profession, Paul served on many committees. He served as President of the Memphis Education Association and was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Paul also served on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Education Association and the National Education Association. He was awarded the Phi Delta Kappa Service Key and the Memphis Area Teachers’ Credit Union Outstanding Service Award. At his alma mater, the University of Memphis, he was instrumental in establishing the Harold W. Perry Scholarship for students wishing to pursue a career in Special Education. Paul attended Mass at Church of the Holy Spirit, and enjoyed gardening, fishing, and spending time with family. Active in civic and community causes, he worked tirelessly in support of the rights of the handicapped. The Mayor’s Advisory Council for Citizens with Disabilities recognized him with their Volunteer of the Year Award. He was chosen by the Tennessee Governor to be a state delegate for the National White House Conference for Handicapped Individuals. Along with wife Anne, Paul served the Mid-South ARC for many years in various capacities including president, vice president, and board member. He received the ARC’s Outstanding Service Award, Outstanding Support Award, and the Elizabeth Boggs Award. He was predeceased by his wife of almost 55 years, Anne Coda Drake, and three siblings, Gene and Frank Belenchia, and Beatrice Gionti. He is survived by four children: Paula (Jerry) Lacy of Finksburg, MD, Paul (Jane) Drake of Richardson, TX, Kathy (Carl) Price of Bartlett, TN and Mary Drake of Memphis. He also leaves six grandchildren, Andrew Lacy, Taylor, Ellen, and Madeline Drake, and Lauren (Adam) Price Harrington and Michael Price, who affectionately referred to him as their “Pawpaw.” The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar. Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Church of the Holy Spirit. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Mid-South ARC at 3485 Poplar, Memphis, TN 38111 or Holy Names Catholic School at 709 Keel Avenue, Memphis, TN 38107. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.memphisfuneralhome.net Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens 5599 Poplar Avenue 901-725-0100
Published in The Commercial Appeal on May 16, 2011
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18