Arrangements under the direction of Claude R. Boyd/Caratozzolo Funeral Home, Deer Park, NY .LEONARD BATES SENIOR was born in Aiken, South Carolina on August 11, 1937. He was the eldest son of the late Marion and Lillie Mae Bates. In 1944, the family moved to Orange, New Jersey. Leonard was a very hard worker and while attending school, he worked various jobs to contribute to the family household. After graduating from Orange High School he entered into the United States Air Force, serving as a Medic Specialist. He served in the Middle East and the United States.
While on leave from the Air Force, Leonard met Sheila Ann Baugh. They later married and had three children: Renee, Robin and Leonard, Jr. and raised their nephew, Kevin, as their son. Leonard and Sheila enjoyed many wonderful years together and although they later divorced, each would share special memories of their time together.
After serving in the Air Force, he began his professional career at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Leonard then worked at the Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO) as a Plant Engineer. His mother (Lillie Mae) instilled in all of her children the importance of education, thus Leonard went on to earn a Bachelors of Arts degree in Liberal Arts at SUNY Old Westbury.
After 40-years of dedicated service at LILCO, Leonard retired to pursue a variety of personal interests including a passion for golfing, coaching and landscaping. He also enjoyed many other hobbies and could often be found studying and researching his interests on the internet.
Leonard raised his family in Deer Park and was an active contributor to the community. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Deer Park. He made it clear to his family and friends that there was no limit to the guidance and support that he was willing to offer them. He was a motivating force behind the success of his children, nephew ( the late Kevin Baugh), grandchildren, sisters and his brother.
Leonard’s life is celebrated by his beloved:
Children Renee Bates Hughes, Robin Gibson, and Leonard Bates, Jr.; their spouses Gregory Hughes and April Bates: his grandchildren Dwight Gibson Jr., Diamond Bates, Gabrielle Gibson, Destiny Bates, Leonard Bates III, Sloane Hughes and Bailey Hughes; his ex-wife Sheila Bates; his sisters and brother Barbara Wise, Marion Bates, Jr., Carol Bradley, Dr. Judith Kronin; Brother-in-laws William Wise and Edward Kronin; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
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