Sandyston Senior of the Year 2022

Each year, the Sandyston Township Committee gathers on Sandyston Day to present the Sandyston Township Senior Citizen of the Year award.   While this pick is generally reserved for the Mayor, it is something that is talked about and considered all year long either from conversations and recommendations of the public or through observations of Township employees and Committee members., we are proud to present this award to a very deserving, community volunteer – Edward Drake.

Born in Newton in 1950, Ed is the son of Howard and Mary Drake of Frankford.  Ed was raised in Frankford Township with his nine brothers and sisters and attended Frankford Township Grammar School and Newton High School.

Through the years, Ed worked for Ayers Sanitation and the State of New Jersey before his employment with Frankford Township School in 1984 where he worked for 28 years until his retirement in 2012.

In 1974, Ed married Maureen McGivney in Frankford Township at Our Lady Queen of Peace and together they have lived in Sandyston since 1976 working and raising a family and spending time with their two sons, Chris and Brian.

Today, Ed is a proud grandfather to three grandsons. Ed and Maureen are very proud of their family. Son, Chris is married Laurie they have a son, Colton. Son, Brian is married to Jennifer and they have two sons, Brian and Adam. Ed is also a great brother to Fred, his twin brother, and Doug, both of Montague, as well as his sister, Loretta of Florida.

Known as a guy who doesn’t sit still for long, Ed currently works part-time at Hidden Golf Course, and can be seen helping on local farms, as well as helping family, friends and especially his neighbors. He also has worked for many years helping his twin brother, Fred, with his business “Drakes Towing”. He is the watchdog, not only in corner of DeGroat Road, but Sandyston Township in general, and is the go to person for everyone who needs help! Ed is a kind, quick witted, generous and hard-working person who truly would give “the shirt off his back” to help everyone and anyone in need.

Ed has been volunteering and proudly giving back to his community since 1974 where he started with Frankford Township Fire Department before joining Sandyston Township Volunteer Fire Department years later and where he is still an active member today. Whether it is driving equipment on fire calls, training new volunteers, helping with fundraising or fixing equipment, Ed is a valued and respected member of the department. Ed is always positive with a willingness to help and do whatever is necessary for the betterment of the organization. Ed is also a long-time member of the Sandyston Township Board of Health.