Harry e. Bates

Harry E. Bates, Sr., 83 of Farmington, CT died peacefully on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at University of Connecticut John Dempsey Hospital. Among his many survivors, Harry  leaves behind three sons, Kyle A. Bates Sr. of Bristol, CT, Eric L. Bates and his wife Rosaline of Chester, VA, and Harry E. Bates, Jr. and his wife Althea of Hartford, CT; four beautiful daughters, Cheryl Bates Stiddum and her husband Edward of S. Windsor, CT, Toni R. King and her husband Maurice A. Sr. of Hartford, Nynette Ude of New Britain, CT and Alicia Bates of Meridan, CT; 21 Grandchildren; 23 Great-grandchildren; a sister, Doris Shavies of WA and many nieces and nephews. He joins his parents, Carl O. and Gladys (Hennesy) Bates and seven siblings, Ernest Bates, Lilian Lane, Carl Bates, Jr., Mary Williams, Alice Ward, Jesse Johnson and Blanch Taylor and his daughter-in-law Ruth M. Bates  in Heaven who predeceased him. Harry was born in Worcester on April 16, 1934, one of nine children of the late Carl O. and Gladys (Hennesy) Bates. Harry attended Worcester Grammar school and graduated from high school at Worcester Boy’s Trade. After High school, he attended Holy Cross and Worcester State teachers college. In 1956 Harry enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his nation for ten years; he was honorably discharged in 1966. While in the Air Force Harry fell in love with Susan “Suzie” Hayward Jackson and together they wed in Wichita Falls, TX; eventually raising seven children together. Suzie predeceased Harry in 1997. Harry was a hard worker and after his service to his country he went on to work at Commonwealth Press in Worcester, Underwood Typewriter in Hartford, Chandler Evens in Hartford and Budget Printers of Hartford before eventually retiring. After his retirement, he worked for Hartford Country Club. Harry was a man with strong beliefs and an eagerness to share them with others. He was a people person, who enjoyed being the center of attention and the life of the party. He had an infectious sense of humor and he loved a good joke. He enjoyed listening to Barry White and singing along to the soothing melodies. He was a selfless and generous man who wouldn’t think twice about helping someone in need. Above everything else Harry was a family man and a strong positive role model to his children and grandchildren. His wisdom and love is his legacy that will live on through the next generations that he inspired. A visitation for Harry will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2017  at BELMONT A.M.E. ZION CHURCH, 55 Illinois St. Worcester, MA; immediately followed  by Harry’s Going Home Celebration in the Church, with a procession to Hope Cemetery for final committal services. Please visit www.mercadntefuneral.com to share your memories and condolences in his guestbook.