Joseph Bates

Joseph L. Bates, 56, of Reading, passed away at the Winchester Hospital on Friday Jan. 2, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Boston on October 8, 1952, he was the son of the late Edward and Antonetta (Drago) Bates.

Mr. Bates was raised in Charlestown. He had a "Larger than Life" personality and was a friend to everyone who knew him. Although he was a self made entrepreneur, his life revolved around his family. He loved to watch his children play football, hang out with his brothers Ed & Ronnie, and lived for the holidays when he would get to be with his whole family. Christmas time was his favorite. He cherished his family and enjoyed spoiling them with gifts and relished his fast paced lifestyle.

Mr. Bates was the husband of Karen (Brennick) Bates. He is survived by their children Joseph Bates, Jr., Michael Bates, Jeannette Bates, Nicholas Bates, Charlie Bates and Zack Bates. He was the brother of Ed Bates and Ronald Bates and is also survived by his five grandchildren: Christopher, Kaleb, Matthew, Nicholas and Alexia Bates. Mr. Bates leaves behind his Aunt Dottie and Uncle Jerry Levine, and his cousins Joey, Peter, Frankie, Barbara and David Levine. He was the uncle of Laine Bates, Tiffany Bates and Ronald Bates, Jr. and the brother in law of Elaine Bates, William Brennick and Charlotte Stone.

His funeral will be held from the McDonald – Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main St. Stoneham on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 9 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St. Stoneham, at 10 o'clock. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4 – 8 P.M. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

Read Joseph Bates's Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdonaldfs.com.

Visitation

McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home
322 Main Street
Stoneham , MA US 02180
Monday, January 5, 2009, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Service

St. Patrick Church
71 Central Street
Stoneham , MA US 02180
Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 10:00 AM

Cemetery

Lakeside Cemetery
Corner of North Ave. & Beacon St.
Wakefield , MA US 01880
Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 11:30 AM