Cynthia Robin Drake

Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | November 18, 2025

Cynthia Robin Drake, 66, of McKeesport, PA, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025. Born on July 4, 1959, in McKeesport, she brought fireworks into the world from day one. She was the cherished daughter of the late Jack Drake and Patricia Stone. She had 3 siblings and was the baby of her sisters. Though known formally as Cynthia, she was best known to loved ones as “Robin.” From an early age, Robin’s light shined bright through her wit, warmth, and undeniable spark.

She was baptized at the Blythdale Ebenezer Baptist Church, and carried her faith with her in everything she did. Cynthia attended McKeesport High School. With ambition and grace, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Willard College. Shortly after, she began her lifelong career in healthcare at UPMC, where she served as a dedicated Health Unit Coordinator until her retirement. She touched many lives during her time there, known for her humor, strong work ethic, and the ability to make patients and coworkers feel seen and cared for.

On February 18, 1984, Cynthia married Harold “Lucky” Thomas. Though they later divorced, they remained connected through the love they shared for their child, June.

To know Cynthia was to love her. Affectionately known as “Mema,” she poured her heart into her grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. Her dynamic personality was unforgettable, nurturing, hilarious, and unpredictable. As her loved ones often said, being around Robin was like opening a box of chocolates… you never knew what you were going to get. Outside of work and family, Robin enjoyed life’s little pleasures such as hanging out with friends, shopping (lots of it), and playing bingo. 

Cynthia is preceded in death by her parents, Jack Drake and Patricia Stone. She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter in her family: her devoted daughter, June and son-in-law, Clifford Hammonds, of McKeesport; her loving siblings, Kim Drake, Tracey Johnson, and Percy Belser; her adored grandchildren, Andre, Davonna (Miyori), Davia, and Charleigh; her beloved niece and nephew, Melika and Deante, who held a special place in her heart; and a host of other godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will deeply miss her presence, her voice, and her radiant spirit.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cynthia Robin Drake, please visit our floral store.

Originally published November 18, 2025.

Other deaths:
"Mona L. Starr" || "Thomas A. Stewart"