New Milford Remembers Darren Drake At Annual Memorial Walk

NEW MILFORD, NJ — Darren Drake would walk around his hometown of New Milford. He would greet everyone he encountered, and would encourage his friends, often with hugs.

On Sunday, dozens of people did the same thing, in Drake's memory. They participated in the second annual Darren Drake Memorial Walk.

"He was considerate, innocent, and engaging young man who just passed away," Drake's father, James previously 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."

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat who represents New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District, also attended the walk and spoke of Drake and the type of person he was.

"Darren was a hard worker, an avid learner, but he’ll be remembered most for his kindness towards others — as a supportive friend, a caring son, and a tireless advocate," Gottheimer said.

Drake was killed in an ISIS-inspired terror attack in New York City on Oct. 31, 2017. He served as president of the New Milford Board of Education. He was pursuing a second master's degree when he died.

"He saw that there weren’t enough resources to support students pursuing careers in skilled labor," Gottheimer said. "Always one to step forward when he saw an opportunity to help, Darren became an advocate for increasing support for students pursuing vocational careers."

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. (See related: Scholarship Created In Memory Of New Milford Terror Victim)

Related:

• 'Good Man With A Huge Heart': Friends Remember NYC Terror Victim
• New Milford School Board President Killed In NYC Terror Attack
• NYC Terror Latest: Suspect Charged With ISIS-Inspired Attack
• Memorial In Memory Of Bergen NYC Terror Attack Victim Created

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com