Richard ‘‘Dick’’ Eldon Gates

He was born in Steam-burg, N.Y., the son of Hen-ry Gates and Florence Colburn. Received his high school education at Randolph High School.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Dick served his country proudly from May 16, 1953 until July 11, 1956 from where he helped commission the USS John S. McCain. Richard Married Hazel Mae Newcomb on March 27, 1954, in the First Baptist Church in Randolph. He and Hazel had a loving bond and were seldom seen apart.

Dick was an active member of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Kennedy, N.Y. His favorite quote was “A stranger was just someone you haven’t met yet.” Dick enjoyed farm work, animals and tinkering on anything broken.

Dick was employed by the New York Dairy Herd Incorporated for many years before turning to sales in Alabama. In 1981, Richard and his family moved back to his hometown of Randolph (Steamburg), N.Y., to work at Jamestown Metal until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Hazel Gates; a sister, Freda Thayer; daughters: Roxann (Robert) Hunnicutt, Ramona (Stephen) Libby, Corrine (Tim) Pfleuger, Reatha (Jack) Owen; a son, Wendall (Tammy) Gates; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by a daughter, Camila Finch; sisters: Edith Fisher, Beverly Jean Sutton; and brothers: Paul and Norman Gates.

Services will be held Thursday (Oct. 28, 2021) from the New Beginnings Baptist Church, 638 Route 394, Kennedy, where friends and relatives will be received from 10-11 a.m. A service will be led at 11 a.m., by the Rev. Michael Herdzik, pastor of the church. Burial will be immediately follow at East Randolph cemetery, with full military honors conducted.

To leave a condolence, log onto www.vanrensselaerandsonfuneralhome.com

Memorials if desired may be sent to New Beginnings Baptist Church, 638 Route 394, Kennedy, N.Y.

Arrangements are en-trusted to the VanRensselaer & Son Funeral Home, Randolph.