Richard H. Gates

A life and legacy of honor, loyalty, commitment, and faith.

Richard H. Gates passed from this life into the presence of his Savior on August 17, 2025.

Richard was born on June 21, 1935 in Binghamton, New York and was predeceased by his wife of fifty years Viola; their sons Rick, and Jim; and his second wife Joanne.

Richard is survived by his children; Bruce and his wife Melanie and their children Stacie and Michael; Steven and his children Jared, Christopher, Kimberly and Adam; Allen; his grandson Casey; his brothers Charles; Robert and his wife Donis; thirteen great grandchildren; and numerous extended family.

Richard entered the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War on August 13, 1952 at the age of 17. He advanced to the rank of Corporal while serving in the Military Occupational Specialty of Supply Administration and Operations. In this field, Marines perform ground supply administration and operations, including maintaining supply warehouses, ordering and processing equipment, and coordinating the distribution of supplies. Some of the jobs include basic supply administration and operations Marine, warehouse clerk, aviation supply clerk, and contract specialist. Richard was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps on August 12, 1955.

His young active-duty training served Richard well in various occupations to follow, including but not limited to: Hertz Vehicle Rental located at Broome County NY Airport; Ansco Film Development Company; and Home Heating Coal Delivery. Richard worked for the Raymand Corporation located in Greene, NY as a Tool and Die Machinist, making parts for their forklift products and equipment. During his employment there he attended Broome Community College studying Manufacturing Engineering which allowed Richard to advance in the company as a Manufacturing Engineer. Richard continued to advance and was promoted to Manager in his field of study and experience in manufacturing. After fifteen years of loyal service to the Raymond Corporation, Richard moved forward into self-employment as an independent interstate transport driver delivering products for North American Van Lines. He continued his self-employment by founding Lisle Services, a janitorial service to communities within and outside his hometown. In his later years Richard drove delivery truck for Lowes Home Improvement and advanced again to Manager of Lowes Home Deliveries Services.

Richard's level of commitment extended well beyond his military service and occupation work ethics. He celebrated fifty years of matrimony prior to the loss of, "the wife of his youth," Viola. Their love for each other through the joys and trials of life was obvious not only by their length of years together, but also by the smiles on their faces in a picture taken of them celebrating those fifty years of marriage. He demonstrated his commitment to family values by working alongside his wife and employing their children, and other family members, as well as working with his children in their own aspirations and business startup adventures.

As well as being community oriented, Richard had a love for all things outdoors. He was a member of the local Rotary Club. He enjoyed softball and baseball and played in the catcher position. He coached his children's Championship Little League Baseball team. Not only did he fish, hunt, and tend his family's vegetable garden, he established a homestead environment in a desire to teach his family self-reliance and self-sufficiency. He encouraged his children to select farm stock they desired to work with and profit from. Their little homestead had every stock animal available from foul to hoof, as well as honey bees. They also harvested maple tree sap and produced maple syrup and maple sugar candy.

Richard not only lived a life of honor, loyalty, and commitment, he also lived a life of faith and belief in God, as his Creator, and as his returning King who would establish His kingdom here on earth. As an adult husband and father, he continued attendance in the United Methodist Church. He and Viola served as leaders for several years in the Methodist Youth Fellowship. He also served as a pulpit supply speaker for their Minister.

Richard lived a life that cannot be easily defined or described in a few words. If one certainly wants to understand the impact Richard made on the lives of those around him, one has to look no further than the impact that he had upon his surviving children. They continue to express Richards values, one of honor to his country as seen in Bruce a retired air force veteran; concerning business as seen in Allen and his commitment to excellent customer service and satisfaction; as seen in Steven, a life of faith and belief in God as Creator, Savior, Lord and King, and greater things to come.

May you rest in the loving embrace of your Savior as peacefully, quietly, and confidently as you did on the morning you left behind, the cares of this world.

Richards family is grateful for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Celebration of Life Service

Saturday September 20, 2025 3:00 PM

Mosaic Church

5725 Rowan Road New Port Richey, FL 34653

Interment to Follow at East Elfers Cemetary

7100 Baillie Dr, New Port Richey, FL 34653

In lieu of flowers, Please send donations to:

Gulfside Hospice Healthcare Services.

5299 Deer Park Drive

New Port Richey, Florida