Bruce W. Bates, 66, of Smyrna, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at his home. He was born December 17, 1957 in Norwich, a son of the late Erin Bradley and Marjorie (Jeffrey) Bates. He graduated from Sherburne-Earlville Schools, Corning Community College and Empire State College. On April 24, 1999, he married Doreen Hatton, in Earlville.
Bruce worked as a Code Enforcement Officer for Chenango County and the Director of Codes, Ithaca. He served over 40 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMS provider. Bruce was a member of the Chenango County Squad Association, High Angle Rescue Team and the NY Red Knights Motorcycle Club Chapter 40. Bruce loved his wife, children, grandchildren and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Doreen, children, Benjamin Bates, of Hendersonville, TN,. Deinah (Cole) Samsel, of Oxford, sisters; Darla (Gordon) Maynard, of Smyrna, Linda (Larry) McCracken, of Woodard, OK., Barbara (James) Grover, of East Pharsalia, brothers; Michael Franklin, of FL., Bradley (Lysa Boise) Bates, of Earlville, sisters-in-law; Dianne (William) Gizowski, of Smyrna, Deborah (Michael) Jones, of Parrishville, grandchildren; Paige Wallace, of Guilford, Rebel Samsel, Jova Samsel, both of Oxford, Haeven Bates, Aevery Bates, Braelynn Bates, all of Hendersonville, TN., and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 3 Preston St., Earlville, NY 13332.
Friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Friday from 5-7pm.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Smyrna Fire Department, PO Box 23, Smyrna, NY 13464, or to the North Norwich Fire Department, PO Box 99, North Norwich, NY 13814.
To send a condolence online, please visit www.burgessandtedesecofuneralhomes.com