Charles N Coates

Charles Nietsch Coates was born on June 15, 1937 in Amsterdam, NY to Grace N. Coates and Joseph W. Coates, and he passed away peacefully in Stuart, Florida on December 7, 2021 after a brave and valiant battle with cancer, COPD and Parkinson’s disease. He lived a full and meaningful life and touched the lives of so many people. To his family, he was a loving son, brother, husband, father, step-father, and grandfather. At the same time, he was a highly respected and accomplished professional, a wise and humble leader, a generous volunteer, and a loyal friend. Into each of these roles Chuck poured his heart, his intellect, and his energy, and he enriched all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Growing up, Chuck was actively involved in many aspects of his school, community, and college life- athletics, yearbook, theater, government, and the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, where he served as president for two terms. He graduated with honors from the University of Rochester in 1960 with a BS degree in Accounting, and earned a CPA.

He was hired by Price Waterhouse & Co., a public accounting firm for whom he worked his entire professional career, starting in Rochester, NY and moving to Boston, MA in 1971 where he served, among many other roles, as the Partner-in-Charge of the Boston Office Comprehensive Professional Service Group and the National Director of Small Business Technical Services. He became the Managing Partner of the Providence, RI office in 1989 before retiring in 1997. He also spent 6 months in the London office on an exchange program in 1968, which allowed him and his family to experience life in England while also traveling throughout Europe.

Retirement was not a time to slow down and along with the many activities that he and his wife Linda shared, Chuck continued with his role as Board Treasurer of Bagy Wrinkle Association and later became Board President (and interim-CFO for a time) of Mariner Sands Association in Florida, where they relocated in 1998.

Along with his successful professional career, Chuck was a devoted father, coaching his children’s athletic teams and participating in school events. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf, exercising, socializing with his many friends, and spending time on Cape Cod beaches. He will be remembered by friends as one of the most ardent and dedicated NE Patriots fans, long before the Patriots were champions, and he spent countless Sundays with his family and friends at Schaefer Stadium regardless of pouring rain, frigid temperatures and inevitable losses. Another of Chuck’s passions was technology and he was always one of the first to embrace the latest and greatest gadget, even a personal computer, well before any of these things were household items.

Throughout this wonderful journey Chuck set an example of hard work, a commitment to responsibility and excellence, and the importance of respect, thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity. He was a natural and diplomatic leader and people looked to him to lead as is evident in his many leadership positions over the years - Captain, Editor, President, Coach, Treasurer, Manager, Partner, Head, Advisor, and more. Most importantly, he was a thoughtful and genuine listener and a wise advisor and, in his quiet, warm, and patient way, he drew out the very best in people.

He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Linda A. Coates; his two children, Elizabeth Coates Bunting and Todd Charles Coates (and wife Julie H. Trant Coates); two step-children, Pamela Wheeler Buckley and Steven Wheeler; 12 grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Margaret Coates. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marie R. Coates and his brother, Joseph W. Coates, Jr.

Donations are kindly appreciated and may be sent to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or The American Cancer Society in remembrance of Chuck.