John F. Gates

John F. Gates

Of Harpursville

John Fitch Gates, Sr, 82, of Harpursville, NY, died on Fri. August 9, 2024. In addition to his parents, John and Ethel (Foster) Gates, he was predeceased by his siblings, Kenneth (Gladys) Gates, Phyllis Mignerey and Jan Delaney; his in-laws: Burr Don and Bernetta Singer; his brothers-in-law, Donald Singer, Owen Koster Sr. & Jeffrey Donovan and nephews, Owen Koster Jr., Donald Koster and Warren Mignerey, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sharon; Children John Jr. and Cynthia Gates, Judi and Bobby Ingraham and Jeffery and Tara Gates. He is also survived by his grandchildren Troy, Tyler, Trenton, Zoe and Shane Gates. He leaves behind his siblings Lois (Dick) Lum, Thomas (Joan) Gates, Daniel Gates, Alice Donovan, Gregg Gates along with brother-in-law Warren Mignerey, Sr. and Sharon’s siblings, Yvonne (Dan) Woodruff and Sandra Koster, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. John was born in Binghamton, NY, and graduated from Harpursville High School where he thrived as a student athlete. He worked for the Broome County Highway Department for 37 years, his one job after high school until his retirement at age 55. John worked for another 20 years at Belden Hill Golf Club keeping the greens and other areas mowed to perfection. John loved his family and was very active and present in their lives. Over the 62 years you would have found John on the golf course, sitting at the bar of the Silo while Sherry managed the restaurant all while supporting his grandchildren at the sporting events or other activities as they grew. He also enjoyed betting on the ponies and trying his luck on the slots. John and Sharon also loved Myrtle Beach where they were snow birds, and made many friends who became like family as they would spend 4 months together year after year. John beat prostate cancer in 2019 and enjoyed family vacations until his stroke on Columbus Day, 2021. He spent the last three years at Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. The family extends their appreciation of care while John fought to overcome his disabilities to continue a life well lived. Also a special thanks to the nursing team at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital who cared for John in his final days in room 306.

A Celebration of Life will be celebrated Thurs. August 15, 2024, at the completion of calling hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Osterhoudt- Madden Funeral Home, 69-71 Maple Street, Harpursville, NY. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery, Harpursville.

Memorial contributions may be made to:  Harpursville Fire Dept. POB 98 Harpursville, NY 13787 or Riverview Cemetery Assoc. c/o Darla Dayton 444 Chaffee St. Harpursville, NY 13787.  Online condolences may be made at:   www.omaddenfh.com.

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