Hoosick Falls – A good-humored father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Walter “Wally” Leo Gates Jr. left this world suddenly on September 7, 2022 at age 52.
Survivors include his father Walter L. Gates Sr., his children Kathleen (Patrick) Miller-Rhodes of Danville, IN, Kendra (Rene) Contreras of Killeen, TX, and Shawn Gates of Killeen, TX, his grandchild Madison Contreras of Killeen, TX, and his siblings Scott (Merry) Gates of Pittstown, NY, Michelle (JoAnn) Gates of Carmel, NY, Lynn Gates of Bennington, VT, and Heather (Rob) Gates of Clearwater, FL. Wally was predeceased by a brother Keith Gates and his mother Beverly A. Gates.
Wally was born to Walter Sr. and Beverly on April 6, 1970. As a child, he was a typical boy, always wrestling with his siblings. As an adult, he had a stint in the army, after which he entered the trucking industry to support his three children. He drove gas tanker trucks for over two decades.
Wally loved shooting the breeze with his friends, family, and even strangers. To his parents, siblings, and childhood friends, he was a cherished hellion; to his children, he was a blameless father; and to everyone else, he was a diehard Steelers fan.
Memorial services will be Thursday, September 15th, at 7 pm, at the First Baptist Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 4 pm until the start of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Karen & Molly McGovern Memorial Fund. Arrangements are under the care of the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, NY.
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