Mark A. Gates

It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Mark A. Gates, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend, who passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus. Mark celebrated his 60th birthday last September.

Mark was born in Worcester, and raised in Charlton, where he attended Charlton Public Schools. He graduated from Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in 1983, where he majored in automotive studies.

Mark was the only son of Robert Marshall Gates and Vivian L. (Cusson) Gates, who preceded him in death, with Robert passing in 2019 and Vivian in 2022. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law, W. Michael Burns, in 2001.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Caroline D. (Burns) Gates, of Shrewsbury and their cherished daughter, Sheena Marie Gates, along with her partner, Mariusz Baczewski. Mark was a proud grandfather to three beautiful grandchildren: Aidan, Evelyn, and Scotlyn, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Debra J. Prunier of Oxford and Robin D. Metcalf and her husband Paul of Cherry Valley, MA; devoted mother-in-law and friend, Diana T. (Mariano) Burns of Shrewsbury; five nieces and one nephew, as well as two aunts, an uncle, several cousins, and his four legged family, Finn the corgi and his two feline friends, Sage and Theo.

Mark was a dedicated and hardworking member of the community. For 25 years, Mark was employed as a shipper/receiver for the Daltile Company in Shrewsbury, where he built lasting relationships with his colleagues before retiring in 2020.

Mark was a true "motorhead." He had an unyielding passion for cars, dedicating countless hours to working on and collecting various models. An avid Jeep lover, he found joy in every aspect of automotive life. His family knew him as a man of few words, yet they felt his profound love in everything he did. Mark was a steadfast pillar of strength for his loved ones, embodying the traits of a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and son-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage everyone to honor Mark's memory by donating to a charity of your choice or by adopting a new family member from your local shelter.

Mark's family wishes to thank the 7th floor ICU at UMass University Campus for their compassionate care of Mark while he was in their care.

To keep Mark's wishes, his family will be celebrating his life privately. There will be a public Celebration of Life in the near future, details regarding the time and location will be shared with family and friends.