Annual Darren Drake Memorial Walk Honors New Milford Man's Life

NEW MILFORD, NJ — Darren Drake would walk around his hometown of New Milford and greet everyone he encountered.

Drake's smile was genuine, and he took a real interest in the people he met. He enjoyed connecting with others and forming real relationships.

His family wants others to experience that for themselves at the second annual Darren Drake Memorial Walk Sept. 14.

"He was considerate, innocent, and engaging young man who just passed away," Drake's father, James said of his son. "People are going to know he is still living in our hearts and minds when we're helping others. That's what it's all about."

Proceeds from the walk will fund the Darren Drake Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded to a graduating New Milford High School senior who intends on pursuing training in the trade or technical professions.

Growing up, Drake developed an interest in the trade professions from his family. He had a close relationship with his maternal grandfather, who worked as a mechanic making cardboard boxes. His father worked as a client services professional with the U.S. Department of Labor's Comprehensive Employment and Training program, helping disadvantaged youth obtain jobs through training or on the job employment.

Drake graduated from New Milford High School in 2003. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Rutgers University's School of Arts and Sciences and a master's degree in Management Information Systems from Fairleigh Dickinson University, his obituary states. He was pursuing a second master's degree in technology management from Stevens Institute of Technology when he was killed.

Drake was president of the New Milford Board of Education.

A monument was erected in Drake's memory at New Milford Borough Hall.

See here for more information about the Darren Drake Memorial Walk.

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Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com