Robert "Bob" A. Gates

Robert (Bob) A. Gates, 89, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Bob, also known as Gator, was the patriarch of the Gates family. He was predeceased by his daughter Teri Gates, brother David Gates and his parents Donald & Lucille Gates.

He is survived by his wife Carol Gates, the love of his life for 34 years; son Steve & Susie Gates; stepson Scott & Masako Russell; granddaughter Jessica Gates; sisters Dolores & Joe Marrongelli and Bonnie Gates & Sam Whited and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Bob was a 1953 Whitney Point High School and 1961 Cortland State graduate and a proud US Army Veteran. He started his career as a Phys. Ed., Earth Science, and Driver Ed. teacher at Whitney Point and Marathon high schools while also selling Electrolux door-to-door. Later he became a full-time branch manager winning countless sales awards and went on to establish Northgate Vacuum in 1989.

Bob was known for his competitive nature, quick wit, and brutal honesty. He loved all sports and was extremely proud of his high school teams at Whitney Point especially basketball and football. He was an avid golfer and played many rounds at Maple Hill, Ford Hill, and Vestal Hills. He shot his age at 86 but complained it should have been 83! He was an outstanding bowler, horseshoe pitcher, and pool shooter. He loved his golf trips to Baltusrol and to Scotland in 1986.

Everyone that knew Bob felt his passion for music. He was an outstanding saxophone player in many jazz bands in Sarasota, Florida as well as Binghamton. Bob was also a member of the Sarasota Jazz Club and was the featured player at the Jazz At 2 on Fridays in Sarasota.

After his retirement in 1996, he enjoyed many winters playing golf and music in Sarasota. Bob was a wonderful husband, father, and brother who will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 2-4pm with a Celebration of Bob’s Life at 4pm. A Private burial will take place in the Village Union Cemetery, McDonough, NY.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Hospice team for their wonderful care, comfort and compassion.