Remembering David Drake (1937–2025)
TheDepartment of Mathematicsmourns the passing ofProfessor David Drake, a distinguished mathematician, former department chair, and valued colleague, who passed away onFebruary 14, 2025, at the age of 87.
Dr. Drake joined theUF Mathematics Departmentin1967and served for40 years, retiring in2007. He wasdepartment chair from 1988 to 1993, a period during which he played a crucial role instabilizing the departmentand strengthening its faculty. His leadership was instrumental in recruiting top mathematicians, includingfacilitating the return of Fields Medalist Professor John Thompson to UF.
An accomplishedcombinatorialist, Dr. Drake made significant contributions tofinite geometries, Hjelmslev planes, and error-correcting codes. He authored numerous research papers, collaborating with mathematiciansacross multiple continents.
Beyond his academic achievements,Dr. Drake was known for his unwavering integrity, dedication to the department, and generosity toward colleagues and students. Faculty members fondly recall hismentorship, his efforts to support young faculty in their careers, and even hisadventurous spirit—whether leadingcanoe tripson Florida’s rivers or navigatinglocked gates at the Devil’s Millhopperduring faculty outings.
Dr. Drake earned hisB.A. from Harvard UniversityandPh.D. from Syracuse Universitybefore embarking on a career that spanned decades of research and teaching. He also conductedextensive research visits in Germany and the Netherlands, fostering international collaborations.
Outside of mathematics, he led arich and fulfilling life, enjoyingjogging, piano playing, political activism, and duplicate bridge, in which he achieved the rank ofBronze Life Master. His commitment tosocial justicewas evident in his early activism with theCongress of Racial Equality (CORE), where he served asvice-chair of the Syracuse chapter in the 1960s.
Dr. Drake is survived by hiswife, Donna Marie Born, whom he married in 1959, as well as hisdaughters Barbara and Laura, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and other family members.
His legacy of scholarship, leadership, and mentorship will continue to inspire generations of mathematicians at UF and beyond.