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David Bates

David Charles Bates, 89, of Ivoryton, died on Feb. 4, 2024. He was surrounded by his family after suffering a long illness with remarkable strength.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Mabry Bates; his son, David Richard Bates of Niantic and his wife, Yooki Bates; his daughter, Michelle Bates Deakin of Arlington, Massachusetts, and her husband David Deakin; grandsons, Adam and Charles Deakin; his sister Dolores Hamrick of Aiken, South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Bates.

He was born in Miami, Florida, on Dec. 6, 1934, to Margaret (Poplaski) and Charles Bates. He graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's of science and a MSW, and worked for many years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCW) and a psychotherapist in private practice in Brookfield and Ridgefield and with Danbury Hospital and St. Francis Hospital.

He was a devoted volunteer with the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services, the New York City Marathon Medical Team, and the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Sorrows in Essex. He was a passionate tennis player and a gentleman farmer on his beloved farm in Tennessee. He loved visiting with family and being with Ann, his lifetime companion. They would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this month.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 14 Prospect Street, Essex. Burial will immediately follow at the Centerbrook Cemetery, Westbrook Road in Centerbrook. Donations in his memory can be made to HCP — Community Healthcare & Hospice, 753 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437.