Funeral Service For New Milford Terror Victim Is Monday

NEW MILFORD, NJ — A funeral service for Darren S. Drake, one of eight people killed in a terror attack in New York City, is Monday.

The service is at 9:30 a.m. at Church of the Ascension, 256 Azalea Dr., in New Milford.

Drake was one of eight people killed in a terror attack in New York City Tuesday.

Drake, 32, former president of the New Milford Board of Education, died after a terrorist attack on Manhattan's lower West Side.

Drake was a project manager for Moody's.

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.

Michael A. Polizzi, New Milford superintendent of schools, said Drake served on the board for four years, from July 2009 to June 2013. He held the vice-president chair for two years.

"A board member in high esteem, Darren was a good man with a soft touch and huge heart. He is respected for his unwavering commitment to the children of New Milford and their education," Polizzi said in a statement.

New Jersey Family, Neighbors Remember Darren Drake

"I want to give our children the best technology, the best programs, and the best facilities," Drake said in January 2013. "I want them to outshine their peers in the district factor group."

Drake was in the process of earning a second master's degree from the Steven's Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his parents Barbara and James, uncle Robert Wilkens and his wife Helen, aunt Susan Wilkens and cousins Kristen and John.

RELATED: New Milford School Board President Killed In NYC Terror Attack
RELATED: NYC Terror Latest: Suspect Charged With ISIS-Inspired Attack

Email [email protected]. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Photo: Darren Drake/Patch file photo; candle photo via Shutterstock