Obituary of Gary R. Bates

Warrensburg: Gary R. Bates, 80, of Main St., passed away peacefully, Thursday, May 17, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. Born in Johnsburg on June 27, 1937 to Glenn & Mildred (Stewart) Bates, Gary attended a one room school house in Garnet Lake until the family moved to Warrensburg where he graduated in 1955. He worked in the Grand Union where he met Claire Culver and they were married in 1957 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. In 1957 he joined the air force and was stationed in Roswell, NM. He returned to Warrensburg in 1961 before moving to Riverhead, NY in 1963 to work for Grumman Aerospace where he stayed for 30 years. In 1998 when he retired, Gary and Claire returned to Warrensburg. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Lois (Gary) Dinizio, Brenda (Edward) Reeve, and Richard (Anne) Bates all of Riverhead, NY. Eight grandchildren, Matthew Dinizio(Katie), Stephanie (Kenny) Woychuk, Mandi (Brian) Carmichael, Melanie (Mike) Drozd, Adam (Alexandria) Reeve, Amy (Tim) Selock, Michelle (Nick) Monighan, Deborah (Matt) Suprina and 14 great-grandchildren, Nicholas & Alex Dinizio, Noah, Tucker and Sydney Woychuk, Nadine, Abbie & Preston Carmichael, Maxwell & Callen Drozd, Jacob & Lily Selcok, Lilly and Lailah Monighan. As well as his sister, Nancy (Allen) Edmunds, a sister-in-law, Elaine Jeffords of Queensbury, an aunt, Barbara Stewart of Ticonderoga and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Gary & Claire were avid motorcyclists going cross country on more than one occasion until his illness prevented him from riding. Gary loved to hunt and was a proud member of the NRA. Friends may call on Gary’s family from 1-3 pm Monday, May 21st at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St. Warrensburg with a celebration of Gary’s life to follow at 3 pm. We would like to thank Dr. Petracca and Peggy, as well as HCR and especially Annie, Vicky, Lisa, Terri and Dan for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Warrensburg EMS, 3 King St., Warrensburg, NY 12885. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.