Dan was born on September 7, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan to his parents Billy and Dorothy Gates.
In 1969, Dan joined the United States Army, where he served honorably until his discharge in 1971. He was very active with the VA and veteran organizations, and was a member of the Royal Oak Detroit Elks Lodge #34. He had a well-known reputation as a superb handyman, woodworker, and all-around crafty guy. He also loved cooking (especially barbecuing) and had a recipe for a barbecue sauce that his family and friends could not get enough of. Dan loved to play Euchre in his free time.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Donna Gates, children Kevin (Heidi) Gates, Mark (Kim) Gates, Joseph (Michelle) Nardone, Michael (Michelle) Nardone, John (Raquel) Nardone, and Robert (Racheal) Nardone, grandchildren Katie, Emily, Jonathan, Christina, Tiffany, Lorenzo, Isabella, Melissa, Joshua, Gabriella, Nicholas, Madison, Brenlee, Jory and Carly, and great grandchildren Aubrianna, Mackenzie, Acailee and Ryker, siblings Gary, Linda, Glen, Charlene, Dwayne, Mike, Jerry and Wayne. Dan is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his sister Carolyn “Betty”.
Friends may visit the A H Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, Warren, MI 48088 on Thursday, May 30 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a Scripture Service taking place at 5:00 P.M.
For those who wish to make a contribution in Dan’s honor, donations may be directed to The Kidney Foundation.
