David "Matteo" Drake passed away surrounded by family in Albany, NY on August 9th, 2023. He battled Muir-Torre Syndrome cancer for nearly two decades and bravely outlived multiple prognoses. He was a vibrant person, loving friend, and dedicated father.Matt was born to James and Susan Drake on November 18, 1961 in New York City, where, on May 14, 1988, he married his devoted, loving wife Ida. Soon after, they moved to Bonners Ferry,Idaho, where they had their only son Adrian Drake.

In the spring of 2001, their small family of three made the grand trek across the country to Columbia County where they spread their roots. You could find Matt biking the roads of Columbia County, supporting the Chatham Panthers at their sporting events, using carpentry and supervising skills at a Bill Stratton Building Co. job-site, or making memories with friends and family at his home.

On Facebook, Matt's revelations inspired readers, especially other cancer patients, to deal with the emotional upheavals accompanying a terminal prognosis and live each moment fully.

Matthew is preceded in death by his father, James Lynn Drake. He is survived by his mother Susan Samuels Drake, brother Tom Drake (Joan Jones), Christopher Wood-Drake and Sister Amalia Wood-Drake Shook wife Ida, and son Adrian James Drake.

Although Matt and his family did not spend their entire lives in Chatham, his presence in the community will be missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The public is invited to a celebration of Matt's life on Saturday August 19th, 1pm, at Wenk Funeral home (21 Payn Ave. Chatham, NY, 12037).

Donations in Matt's name would be welcomed by Memorial Sloan Kettering's Cancer Research Foundation.For on-line condolences, visit wenkfuneralhome.com