Gerard was born June 29, 1939 to Henry Russell and Doris Benton Bates in Rochester, NY. He retired as a sergeant for the Irondequoit Police Department in 1982. He then went on to own the Knotty Pine Inn, as well as various other businesses. He was also a former past town justice for the town of Pulteney. He was a pilot and enjoyed flying and boating on Keuka Lake, but above all he was a family man and loved spending time with his children.
Surviving are his wife, Joan Forest Bates; sons, Gregory (Lisa) Bates, Jeffrey (Kathleen) Bates, Christopher (Debra) Bates, and Corey (Stephanie) Bates; grandchildren, Amanda, Justin, Sean, Alec, Jordan, Patrick, Mia, Brian, Taylor, Jack and Olivia; sisters, Judy Holland and Debbie Cornell, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Michael Bates.
Friends and family may call at Townsend-Wood Funeral Chapel, 201 E. Elm Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527 from 6-8PM on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. A memorial service will be held at 1PM on Thursday, May 17th, at the funeral home with Father Jeff Tunnicliff officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Bates’ name may be made to The Homestead, 418 N. Main Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook at www.townsendwoodfuneralchapel.com
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