Kenneth L. Bates III “Larry”, 73, of Lakeville MA, formally of Whitman, passed away at home with family by his side on October 15, 2025, after a year long battle with esophageal cancer.
Kenneth was born December 15, 1951 and raised in Abington MA, with his late parents, Kenneth L. Bates jr. and June (Seaman) Bates-Jenkins. Larry was the eldest brother to both the late Thomas and Jack Bates. Larry graduated in 1969 from Abington high school. He participated in many town sports as a young man. He always enjoyed sharing his high school football stories with his family. His love for sports was so strong he rarely ever missed watching any of the New England sports’ teams on TV.
Larry loved being outside. Fishing, skiing and ice skating with his family was always fun. However, his heart belonged to the ocean. Any day spent at the beach was a win for him. Kenneth was an avid surfer. It didn’t matter the temperature of the water, if there was “surf”, he wanted to be in it!
Larry was a lover of all music. It made him feel deeply and express himself fully. A true, “Dead Head”, whose spirt will live on in the vibrations.
Larry was a hard worker. He was a proud Union Tunnel Worker with Local 88 out of Quincy, MA. As a “Sand Hog”, He spent most of his career 420 feet below the ocean floor of Boston Harbor where he helped to construct the outfall tunnel that currently stands 30 feet in diameter and 9.5 miles long. It was a dangerous job with only one way in and one way out and he was proud to be a part of it.
Larry is survived by the love of his life and his best friend of 57 years, Patricia (Donovan); Their son, Patrick Bates and his wife Kristen and their daughter Allison (Bates) Scearbo and her husband Steve. He was pre-deceased by their eldest son, John Bates. Larry’s immense love for his wife and children could only be dimmed by the love he had for his grandchildren, Kyla, Mia and Bentley Boyd, Toren and Wallace Bates. Larry was also thrilled to be a “bonus papa” to Lillian, Evelyn and Marion Scearbo. He lived for his family and cherished the time they spent together. Larry is also survived by countless more family and friends, each one of them holding a special place in his heart.
He will be Forever missed by all who knew him. A piece of us also left with him that day.
Friends and family are invited to come celebrate a life well lived. A service will be held for Larry on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025 beginning at 1:30pm at the United Church of Christ, 10 Bedford Street Abington, MA 02351. Immediately following the service, the celebration of his life will continue at The Meadowbrook Restaurant 1486 Main St. Hanson, MA 02341
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kenneth’s memory to: The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation
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