Gardner S. Drape

Gardner S. Drape, 87, of 120 Bay View Avenue, Portsmouth, RI, died Saturday, June 28, 2008, at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River, MA. He was the husband of Marilyn Cloutier Drape.Born in Fall River, MA, on February 26, 1921, he was the son of the late Vernon and Marion Shove Drape.Mr. Drape was a graduate of Worcester Academy and attended the University of Michigan. After leaving school, he went to work for his family business, Drapes Seafood Market in Fall River, MA. He then entered the US Army during WWII. Upon returning from military service, Mr. Drape went back to the family business as a 3rd generation and where his business grew into the international export of seafood, especially, scallops. He was an avid golfer and a member of the New Bedford Country Club. He was also a member of the Portsmouth Eureka Lodge of Masons, the New England Grotto, the Shriners, and the Odd Fellows. Mr. Drape was a member of the Portsmouth United Methodist Church.Besides his wife he is survived by two daughters Marsha Ollerhead of Portsmouth, RI, and Marlene Drape of Portsmouth, RI, three grandchildren Marissa Letendre of Tampa, FL, Christopher Ollerhead of Newport, RI, and Samantha Cawley of Portsmouth, RI, and six great grandchildren. He was also the brother of the late Louis V. Drape.His funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at 11:00 am in Portsmouth United Methodist Church, 2732 East Main Road, Portsmouth.Calling hours will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2008, from 4-8 pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Portsmouth United Methodist Church Restoration Fund, 2732 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, 02871, or to the Portsmouth Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Wagon Fund, P.O. Box 806, Portsmouth, RI, 02871.