OXFORD – Robert J. Gates, 79, of Clifton Park, formerly of Oxford, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady with his family by his side.
He was born in Oxford on Nov. 19, 1933. He was the son of the late Harry and Frances (Race) Gates. On June 15, 1957 he married Janet Crandall in Oxford.
In addition to his wife Janet, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Pamela J. and Martin E. Klepeis, Jr. and his grandson Daniel of Rexford; a brother William “Joe” (and Cheryl) Gates of Chenango Forks; three sisters-in-law, Joyce Gates, Emily Gates, and Harriett Gates; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Shirley Crandall of Oxford; sister-in-law, Jeanne Paden of Oxford. Several nieces, nephews, and friends also survive. He was predeceased by three sisters, Eleanor, Laura, and Ina Marie; and four brothers, Donald, Frank, Ralph, and George.
Bob was a loving husband, devoted father, and beloved grandfather. He lived most of his life in Oxford before moving to Clifton Park to be close to his daughter and her family. He was a former member of the Oxford Fire Department, serving in the Fire Police, and a former member of the Oxford Lions Club. He retired from Victory Markets in 1994. He loved vegetable gardening, deer hunting, and watching the birds and animals in the backyard.
The family would like to thank Ellis Hospital, the Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corp, and the Visiting Nurse Association of Albany for their exceptional care and compassion.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main Street, Oxford, with his niece, Susan Ranous, officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Behe Funeral Home, Oxford, on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to either Ellis Hospital, 1101 Nott Street, Schenectady, NY 12308 or the Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corp, 15 Crossings Blvd., Clifton Park, NY 12065.
Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.