Leonard "Lenny" P. Bates

Leonard P. “Lenny” Bates, 71, of Beverly Hills, FL, passed away on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 at his home. A native of Philadelphia, PA, he was born Aug. 18, 1942 to Patrick and Margaret (Rolle) Bates, one of five children. Mr. Bates enjoyed two careers during his life. He was a retired truck driver of nearly 30 years with Mack Transportation and Jorgenson Steel and was also retired from the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard, attaining the rank of sergeant first class, with 21 years of service. Lenny, as he was known to many, served in the Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns and was an talented photographer who captured the beauty that he saw in the world, through his lens, holding membership in the Art Center Camera Club of Citrus County. He was also member of CMUG, an avid Apple and MacIntosh user club. Mr. Bates is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Barrie L. Bates, Beverly Hills; son Patrick Bates (wife Hil-Dee), Brooksville, FL; daughter Susan Rosenfeld (husband David); siblings Patricia Malone, Street, MD; Richard Bates, Robesonia, PA; Barbara Gardner, Ashville, NC and Michael Bates, San Carlos, CA and grandchildren Alec, Kaden, Sativa, and Jacey. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Beverly Hills, FL on Friday, November 29, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. with Fr. Theo Weria, Celebrant. Fero Funeral Home, Beverly Hills. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Leonard's name to your choice of ALS Association, Florida Chapter; Wounded Warriors Project, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars post of your choice. www.ferofuneralhome.com