Alan Charles Bates Sr.
Alan “Al” Charles Bates Sr., age 80, passed away at the home he built in Burton, surrounded by the five amazing women who cared for him and loved him until the very end, early Wednesday morning on March 27, 2024.
Al was born Oct. 12, 1943, in Cleveland, to the late Robert F. and Eleanor D. (nee Stanis) Bates.
He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Briggs, on May 2, 1964.
Al was the proud owner and operator of Alan Bates Excavating, the foundation upon which he provided for his family and demonstrated an unmatched work ethic that has inspired multiple generations. His actions and quiet generosity always spoke louder than his words.
He was an active member of St. Helen Catholic Church and the Pleasant Hills Snowmobile Club in Burton.
Al enjoyed golfing in early retirement and later learned to love playing rummy with his wife, kids and grandchildren where memories were made around the kitchen table; his catch phrases and one-line zingers will never be forgotten.
He made friends wherever he went. His closest neighbors on Pine Island, Fla., or a passing stranger could attest to this.
Al enjoyed driving across the country with his family, making countless memories, even collecting a classic auto or two.
He will be sorely missed by his loving wife, Joyce; daughters, Barb (Nick) Vizy, of Troy Township, Deborah (Dean) Pawlak, of Claridon Township, Brenda (Todd) Hornak, of Burton, Michelle (Rick) Rucinski, of Burton; grandchildren, Ben Vizy, Alec Vizy, Ethan Pawlak, Aaron (fiancée, Natalie Washington) Pawlak, Troy Hornak, Jenna Hornak, Bryce Hornak, Caitlyn Rucinski and Emma Rucinski.
Al is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carole Bates; brother-in-law, Richard Kuhen; his honorary son, Ken (Christina) Veon; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Al was tragically preceded in death by his beloved son, Alan Charles Bates Jr.; sister, Eloise Kuhen; brother, Robert (Bob) Bates Jr., niece Robbin Bates; and nephew Robert “Bobby” Bates III.
On Saturday, April 6, 2024, there will be a Memorial Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township, with Father Jay McPhillips officiating.
The family will gather with friends and family before the Mass from 9-11 a.m. in the gathering space (narthex) at the church.
Memorial donations can be made in Alan Bates’ name to St. Helen Building Fund, https://osvhub.com/sthelen/giving/funds/building-fund.
Sly Family Funeral Home in Middlefield assisted his family with arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.
