Obituary of William D. Gates

GATES, William D. Age 63 of Gillett, PA. He was born August 24, 1949 in Elmira, son of the late James and Ruth (Nero) Gates and passed away Friday, June 21, 2013 at home after a brave fight with lung cancer. He was predeceased by his son Frank and is survived by his soul mate and wife, Ellen Gates; daughters Melanie (Paul) Gates of ND and Tiffanie (Chris) Coleman of PA; two sons by a previous marriage James and Bill Gates, both of PA; 7 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; sister Cindee (Jeff) Wray of PA; stepbrothers Charles (Shinobu) Meador, Tim (Patty) Meador and Mike (MaryAnn) Meador; sisters-in-law Elaine Tenny and Carol (Pete) Dennison; brothers-in-law Joe (Cheri) and Wes Jones; best friends Rich and JoAnn Packard, who were always there for him no matter what he needed. Bill graduated from Troy High School in 1967 where he was well known for playing baseball and being the star pitcher. After graduating, he went to work for Schanbacher Masonry, where he worked for many years. He then relocated to Syracuse, NY and was employed with Hueber Breuer Contractors until 1993 when he relocated back to Gillett, PA. Bill and Ellen bought the family business, Meador's Personal Care Home, and together ran the home until their retirement this year. Bill loved being a grandfather and spending time with his grandkids. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. He loved pulling pranks on his friends and family. He could fix anything, build anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. He was an old fashioned guy who believed in manners, values and helping one another. He loved Elvis and could always be heard singing a song or listening to his music. He and his wife Ellen were best friends and enjoyed antiquing junking and spending time fixing up their home. He will be greatly missed by his wife and family, but we know he will wait for us in heaven. It was Bill's request that there be no services. He will be cremated and laid to rest in Gillett Cemetery at a later date. His family gives a special thanks to the Oncology staff and Dr. Lash for their care; special nurse Sylvia, Cookes Pharmacy, Dr. Husband and Phoebe Cole. Those wishing, may remember Bill through donations to the Wells Jackson Little League, c/o Dee Dunn, 5016 Coryland Rd., Gillett, PA 16925. Walter J. Kent Funeral Home is assisting the family.