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Richard Bates Obituary
1949 - 2024
Wilbraham
Richard Currier Bates, 74, died on Sunday, February 25th, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Springfield, MA to the late Paul and Edna (Beard) Bates and grew up in East Longmeadow, MA. He graduated with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from UMass Amherst and a Masters in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. Rick served proudly in the U.S. Navy and worked as a Sergeant and D.A.R.E. officer for the East Longmeadow Police Department for more than 30 years, until his retirement.
In his free time, Rick was an avid nature photographer, with some of his best images being featured in the local newspaper. He was a stamp and Disney pin and coin collector. He also loved relaxing outside, watching movies and spending time with family. He especially enjoyed sitting on the cottage porch in Ogunquit, Maine watching life go by.
He is survived by his wife Lee Laferriere-Bates and his children; Richard C. Bates Jr., Noelle Bates and Gabrielle Stroud, her husband Brandon, as well as his grandchildren Aiden and Derek. He is also survived by his sister Linda Thorn, her husband Bob, niece Priscilla Gregory, mother in law Doris Laferriere, brother in law and sister in law, Michael and Sue Gougeon, and nephews Maxwell and Noah Gougeon.
In addition to his parents Paul and Edna Bates, Richard is also predeceased by his father in law Roland Laferriere.
He will be dearly missed by his family and community. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 29th from 4-7 PM at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. Burial will be private.
In memoriam, please consider donating to an organization close to Richard's heart, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 901 E St. NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20004.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bates
Sponsored by The Family.
Rick Bates
February 16, 2025
Mark Grabowski
December 23, 2024
We had many fun days from grade school through high school. We even met on route 83 Main Street E.L. He was speeding!! After me !!! Glad he and Lee made it to our class reunion!! GOD BLESS !!
Mark Grabowski
March 9, 2024
The reunion committee and all of our classmates were so very happy to see Rich and Lee at our Class of 67 reunion!! He is certainly going to be missed! May God rest your soul !!
Mark G.
Alaena Crossman/Podmore
March 1, 2024
Our condolences to the family and friends of Officer Bates. Thank you for your years of selfless service. May he rest in peace. The Crossman/Podmore Family
Kelly Langlois (Moran)
March 1, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of his passing. He is an amazing man and will truly be missed!
Norah Kazin
February 29, 2024
So very sorry for your loss. I always liked running into Rick at the store or at PT and catching up.
May his memory be a blessing.
Ronald Giard
February 29, 2024
I had the pleasure to join the E. L. Police department with Rick. Rick was always dedicated to his job within the department. Rest in peace brother .
Debbi
February 28, 2024
This saddens me as Richard was a good friend through high school and for years after. My sincere condolences to his family.
Paula
February 28, 2024
I´m sure no one knows this but when I was 5 years old I had a seizure. I was lucky enough that he was nearby and knew what to do to try to keep me safe. That was a long time ago but i have always remembered him and I was very lucky he was around Never really thought about it before but he was my hero that day My prayers are with him and his family and friends
The Rusiecki family
February 28, 2024
So sad to hear about Officer Bates. He was one of the kindest people that you could ever meet and my children are very saddened by this news,too. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.
Michael Brock
February 28, 2024
To the Bates family, I had the pleasure of knowing Richard as a rookie from the SPD many years ago. Meeting up for chats at the city and town lines on the dog watch. He will be missed and thought of. Our prayers are with you all.
The Paige Family
February 28, 2024
Wishing you all peace and comfort in the days ahead, and remembering Officer Bates with gratitude for his service to our country and the town of East Longmeadow. Rest in Peace Sir.
Ray Phaneuf
February 28, 2024
To the Bates family my deepest condolences. Our paths were the same and over the years we met many times. RIP brother.
Ray Phaneuf SP ret.
Kim Wiezbicki Trudeau
February 28, 2024
My deepest sympathy to the Bates family. East Long meadow was fortunate to have his dedicated service for so many years! May he rest in peace.
Den
February 28, 2024
A heartfelt thank you for your service.
Rest In Peace.
Patty Ryan
February 27, 2024
Sgt. Bates was a wonderful role model for the kids of East Longmeadow. He was the DARE officer for 2 of my children. He was so very kind as well as professional! So very sorry for your loss, Patty
Jill poehlman
February 27, 2024
Please accept my sincere apologies. I grew up in East Longmeadow and Officer Bates was always wonderful. God bless
Marty Kane
February 27, 2024
Deepest condolences to the family, sad to learn of his passing.
Carla Moses
February 27, 2024
Dear Bates family, I am sorry for your loss.
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