Obituary of Leonard Gates

Leonard C Gates, Sr. of Poughkeepsie passed away at Vassar Bros. Hospital on December 26, 2010 at the age of 97. Born on Nov. 8, 1913 in Utica, NY, Leonard was the son of Edna and Leonard J Gates. He received his degree in Professional Engineering from Clarkson College. After graduating he worked with his father in the family contracting business in Cape Vincent, NY before joining the NYS Dept of Architecture where he worked for 27 yrs before retiring in 1977. On January 31, 1942 at Holy Trinity Church he married Anna Hennessey, his beloved wife of 67 years. Mrs. Gates predeceased her husband in January 2009. He is survived by his sons and their wives – Leonard C, Jr and Dina Gates of High Falls, John M Gates and Sharon Gates of Poughkeepsie, James P. and Kerry Gates Of Faber VA, his daughter, Margaret A Happel of Poughkeepsie, and his sister Mary of Homosassa Springs, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sara, Kyle, James, Anne, Katherine, Brendan, Jessie, Marcie, Abbie, Lily, Lori and Terri, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son-in-law William J Happel, his brother Jack and his sister Kathryn. During WWII he served with the SeaBees in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant in 1945. He settled in Poughkeepsie in 1950 and was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church where he was a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a loving father and devoted husband who helped raise his grandchildren upon his retirement. His patience was infinite and he always had a kind word and a happy smile for everyone. He will always be remembered for his big heart and generous spirit. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Dec 30, 2010 from 4-8pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home at 371 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, Dec 31, 2010 at 10:00am at Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main Street Poughkeepsie. Burial will follow in the family plot at Calvary Cemetery in Poughkeepsie. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Msgr. Leo J Gregg Scholarship Fund, c/o Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, 12603.