Robert W. Bates, 78, of Mattapoisett died December 25, 2002 at Sippican Healthcare Center after a brief illness.
He was the husband of Florence L. (Dubois) Bates, and son of the late Joseph W. and Josephine (Huard) Bates.
Mr. Bates was born in Plymouth and had lived in New Bedford for several years before moving to Mattapoisett 46 years ago.
He was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett.
Mr. Bates was formerly employed by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and was supervisor of electrical maintenance until his retirement. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945 as a gunner's mate aboard merchant ships during World War II.
Mr. Bates was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was truly a "Mr. Fix-it", there were few things he could not build or repair. He took great pride in the home he and his wife built together.. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, ship model building and working in his workshop.
He was one in a million!
Survivors include his wife; 2 sons, Richard Bates and his wife Ruth, of Mattapoisett, and Eric Bates and his wife Maureen, of Vallejo, CA; a sister, Doris Lorraine of New Bedford; a granddaughter, Rachel Bates of Providence; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the grandfather of the late Forest R. Bates, and brother of the late Clifford Bates.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, Monday, December 30th at 9 AM.Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Church at 10 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Visiting hours Sunday, December 29th from 2-5 PM.
Interment Cushing Cemetery.