RICHARD A. GATES, 70, passed away at Hartford Hospital with his wife and son by his side on Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 in Hartford, CT. He was born November 3rd, 1948 to Harold and Elsie (Anderson) Gates in Hartford, CT. Richard grew up in West Hartford, CT where he went on to graduate from Hall High School in West Hartford and later on as an adult from Manchester Community College where he obtained his Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies. On July 31st, 1997 he was married to his beloved wife Susan in East Orleans, MA. He is survived by his wife of 21 years Susan; his son Richard “Rick” Gates; his grandson Dylan Gates; as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Elsie Gates; his brother Sonny Gates; and his brother William Gates. Richard was a proud member of the Teamsters Local 559 throughout his career, working at A & P Warehouse in East Hartford and US Foodservice in South Windsor up until his retirement.He was a respected shop steward for the union, a position he represented with great pride over the years. With his best friend by his side, Richard and Sue always enjoyed traveling to the Rhode Island shore and various restaurants throughout the region where he could sit down at the bar and order a bottle of Budweiser as he talked sports and politics with anyone. Richard was an avid sports fan, especially of the New York Yankees and his beloved New York Giants over the years. When his son Rick was introduced to hockey in the South Windsor community, he would go on to be a fiery Hartford Whalers fan and enjoyed being a hockey dad over the years. A devout Catholic, he was a member of Our Lady of Peace Church in East Hartford for several years and enjoyed helping in collections each week at service. A special thank you to the staff at Hartford Hospital for their loving care and support in his final days. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday December 28, 2018 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Peace Church 370 May Rd. East Hartford CT 06108.
