Stephen Gates passed from this life on Wednesday, October 16th. He was born on March 29th 1949 in Chatham, New York to Vivian Estopinal Gates and Louis Gates III. Stephen served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971, including an extended tour of duty in Vietnam. Stephen was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Robert and Dane (Georgia) Gates and brother-in-law Howard Hatch. He is survived by his sister Vicki (Howard) Hatch, brothers Louis (Melanie) Gates IV and William (Mary) Gates and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He will be missed. A celebration of Stephen's life is planned for Sunday, November 3rd from 1 to 3 PM at the family home in East Chatham. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.