Ronald R. Drake of Edgartown died May 21 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was 78.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Diane. Together they chose to make Martha’s Vineyard their full-time home in 2009 because of their love for the Island community and the joy of living near the water, where Ron enjoyed fishing and metal detecting.

He was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and was formerly the owner/operator of a roller skating rink and water slide park in Fishkill, N.Y.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a brother, Lawrence H. Drake, of Fishkill, N.Y.; three step-children, John Albertson of Ithaca, N.Y., Patricia Philipp of New Patz, N.Y., and Gary Albertson of Oak Ridge, N.J.; as well as seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his mother Marguerite Moore and father Robert H. Drake.

A memorial gathering will be held at the convenience of the family.

Donations can be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Fisherman’s Preservation Trust, P.O. Box 96, Menemsha MA 02552, or to the Island Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1874, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.