David J. Bates

1946 - 2019

DAVID J. BATES 1946 - 2019
WETHERSFIELD - David J. Bates, 72, of Wethersfield, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 15th, 2019. Born July 3rd, 1946 in Norwich, he was the son of the late Richard S. and Florence (Kaval) Bates. Dave graduated from Oak Hill School for the Blind in 1967.
For 40 years, he was the owner and operator of several food establishments under the business enterprises program for The State of Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind. He trained others in restaurant management to become gainfully employed and independent. He was a tremendous advocate for promoting positive advancement for the blind and visually impaired. Dave truly cared about making the lives of blind people better. He was active in Oak Hill's alumni association, the Lions Gallery of the Senses, and the Connecticut Council of the Blind. For many years, he was a passionate and involved member of both East Hartford and Wethersfield Lions Clubs and in 2003 received the prestigious Ambassador of Sight Award.
Dave had an amazing sense of humor and the ability to find the light in the darkest of situations. You could always count on him to brighten your day with a smile followed by a wise crack. He was incredibly selfless and always put the needs of others before his own.
David is survived by his daughter, Kari Tardiff and her husband Jeffrey and grandchildren Jada Elliott and Ryan Tardiff all of Burlington, his brother William K. Bates and his wife Mary of Punta Gorda, FL, his sister Marilyn Jello of Norwich, his brother Howard R. Bates and his wife Barbara of Lebanon and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Richard and wife Estelle Bates of Port Charlotte, FL. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center in Hartford and Dr. Timothy Hong. The extraordinary care you provided will forever remain in our hearts.
Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Friday (Jan. 25) from 10-11:00am followed by funeral services in the funeral home at 11:00am. Because of Dave's love for Hartford hockey, Whalers attire is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Relay For Life of Farmington Valley, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Please write "In memory of David Bates" on the check. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.