Gary J. Gates Jr. passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Brooklyn to the late Gary Sr. and Rita Gates on February 16, 1943. He graduated from Erasmus Hall in 1961. In 1964, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served as an aviation tech and was honorably discharged in 1969.

Gary found his calling in 1973 with the New York City Fire Department. Most of his career was spent with Engine 221/Ladder 104. After his promotion to lieutenant, he worked at Metro Tech in the Transportation Division and then Field Communications. Gary was a 9/11 First Responder. He retired in December 2001.

As a snowbird, Gary maintained residency in both Queens Village, New York, and Clearwater, Florida, where he had many ties to both communities. In Queens, he was active as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Saint Anne’s Council, and the Velorian Club. He was a handyman. “Gary of Vanderveer ” was always happy and willing to help anyone with any project. In Clearwater, he was the president of the Italian American Club and a member of the Elks. At the end of every summer, he truly looked forward to traveling south and reuniting with his wonderful friends in Florida.

Wherever Gary went, he brought his warm smile and wonderful energy. Throughout his life, Gary lived a very active lifestyle. He was quick-witted, told corny jokes, loved to play softball, golf, bowl, play cards, and spend time with friends and family he held so dear. He loved traveling and taking cruises and enjoying life’s experiences. He was a long-suffering Mets fan (an anti-Yankee fan), loved the Jets and the Giants. He also loved a good breakfast, cigars, scotch, and “Stuff There Like That.”

He was survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Theresa (Caliendo); his daughters, Dawn Gates and Andrea Ronan; his sons-in-law, John Fleigner and Steve Ronan; his six grandchildren, Lauren, Brian, and Sean Byrne and Kathryn, Kristen, and Paige Ronan; and his sisters, Suzanne Gates, Judith Napolitano, and Margaret Cardone. Gary was a true family man and loved his large extended Gates and Caliendo families.