Paul Joseph Drake, Sr.

Paul J. Drake, Sr. peacefully passed away surrounded by his family at Auburn Community Hospital.

A lifelong Auburn resident, he was the son of Raymond and Elizabeth Beyer Drake. Paul had retired as a Registered Nurse in the Cardiac Care Unit at Crouse Irving Hospital, Syracuse, NY.

A 1973 graduate of Auburn High School, he was also a graduate of Cayuga Community College with an Associate's Degree in Nursing, and a Keuka College graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.

He was widely known and loved in the local music community. A member of several bands over the years including Virgil Lanterns, Soul Intentions, and Fattening Frogs. Paul hosted Open Mic night at Moon Dogs Lounge on Wednesdays.

Surviving are his wife, Celestine Dec Drake; children, Timothy P. Donohue (Catherine) and Paul J. Drake, Jr. (Francesca); grandchildren, Tyler Donohue; siblings, Diane Kudla; one aunt, Katie Byrne; several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces & grandnephews; and many great friends with the band members.

He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Patsy Drake and Kathy Walawender.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM in St. Alphonsus Church, Auburn, with the Reverend Michael Brown as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held Sunday from 2-6 PM at Farrell’s Funeral Service Inc, 84 South Street, Auburn, NY. Memorials may include either St. Alphonsus Church, Matthew House, or St. Baldrick’s Charity.